Supporting an individual with diabetes always brings some individual challenges. But whatever the circumstances, these 10 ways to show support will go a long way to help.
Providing support
Perhaps you are a caregiver for an aging parent or spouse with type 2 diabetes, or you are the parent of a child living with type 1 diabetes. You can benefit from some help and guidance to relieve your stress but, most importantly, to provide the necessary care for your loved ones.
Teens in particular are already navigating a challenging time in their life and the burden of diabetes management adds to their emotional and mental health strains. Similarly, newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes are in need of special education and support. In fact, at one time or another, whether newly diagnosed or having lived with diabetes for many years, caregivers are called upon to provide support.
We have assembled a group of articles in this section which will help you develop a caregiving strategy for you and your loved ones.
Long-distance caregiving for people with diabetes
The percentage of Canadians with diabetes doubles between the ages of 45 – 65. As the baby boomer generation ages, this is leading to a dramatic increase in the number of older Canadians with diabetes, and an increasing need for many of us to provide support for older family members. This is a particular challenge when family members are not close by.
Here’s what you need to know as a diabetes caregiver
As a caregiver, you want to support your loved ones in the best way possible. This article provides many useful tips for diabetes caregivers.
How to cope with diabetes caregiver blues
Whether you are responsible for the care of a family member in the home, keeping watch from around the corner, or caregiving from a distance, diabetes caregivers have to accept significant added stresses and challenges as part of everyday life.
Supporting the psychosocial needs of youth living with diabetes
The link between diabetes and mental and social health outcomes has been well established in adults. However, children and young adults living with diabetes also experience a range of challenges related to managing a chronic condition.
Supporting a person with diabetes
As a social worker I meet individuals who have diabetes in counseling sessions and in educational classes. In each setting we talk about the emotional roller coaster ride these individuals may go through
