Stress, illness and other comorbidities can affect an older person’s diabetes. To provide individualised quality care, it is important to regularly refer to the person’s diabetes management plan and your service’s policies and procedures. Jump to resources Signs and symptoms of diabetes Diabetes can occur at any age. However, in older people, the signs and symptoms of diabetes can be vague. Additionally, older people with cognitive decline may be less likely to report their symptoms. As a result, diabetes can be mistaken for other causes, delaying diagnosis and impacting the older person’s quality of life. If you notice these signs or symptoms in an older person, report them to your supervisor, the nurse or the person’s doctor or family. Dry mouth, lips or skin Blurry vision Extreme tiredness Slow wound healing Cognitive changes such as confusion or irritability Unexplained changes in weight or appetite Frequent urination Incontinence Thrush Urinary tract infections Loss of sexual desire or impotence Excessive thirst. More information for aged care professionals For homecare workers As a home care worker, you play an important role in helping the older person to manage their diabetes and maintain the best quality of life. It is important to ask if the older person has a diabetes management plan. This plan will tell you how often they should monitor their blood glucose levels and what their target range is. If they do not have a diabetes management plan, tell your supervisor. For residential aged care workers Refer regularly to the person’s diabetes management plan (and your service’s policy and procedures) for updates on their goals, care and services required. This is an important step in providing individualised and quality care. It is important to have a discussion with the older person to determine their individual goals and needs. This should be documented in their care and services plan so you can refer to it later. Supporting the older person with managing their diabetes is about working with them to find the right balance. For residential aged care managers Older people who are admitted to residential aged care are at higher risk of undetected diabetes. Screening is required to identify diabetes where asymptomatic diabetes would impact a resident’s individual care goals. All staff should be aware of diabetes symptoms and escalate any concerns to their supervisor. You can audit your service’s diabetes management policies and practices using the NDSS Quality Review Tool. For registered nurses To provide individualised, quality care, it is important to regularly refer to the older person’s diabetes management care plan and your service’s policies and procedures, including handover. Diabetes screening Older people who are admitted to residential aged care are at higher risk of undetected diabetes. Screening is required to identify diabetes where asymptomatic diabetes would impact a resident’s individual care goals. Diabetes screening for these residents should happen: on admission every year for high-risk individuals, defined by having any of: impaired glucose tolerance impaired fasting glucose new signs or symptoms of hyperglycaemia every three years for low-risk individuals. Featured resources Diabetes management in aged care handbook Diabetes management in aged care fast facts How can a home care team support a person with diabetes The McKellar Guidelines Find more resources
