Aged care professionals need to be aware of what, when and how much the older person eats every day. A healthy diet helps keep an older person’s blood glucose levels within their target range, reducing their risk of diabetes-related complications. Jump to resources Healthy eating for diabetes There is no such thing as a ‘diabetic diet’. People with diabetes should eat the same healthy foods as people without diabetes. They can eat desserts and some sugar in foods. Older people with diabetes should be supported to include artificially sweetened foods if they wish. Healthy eating for older adults As people get older, they may eat less because their lifestyles and appetites have changed, and chronic conditions such as diabetes can take up energy and affect food choices. However, they still need a similar amount of nutrients, sometimes even more. It is important that an older person is nourished and has food options that suit what they like to eat. To support your client’s dietary intake, find out what they like and what they don’t. How to support healthy eating Meals, drinks and snacks can be what older people look forward to each day, so try to make mealtime as easy and enjoyable as possible Check for mouth problems, such as a dry mouth, furred tongue, ulcers or tooth decay. Make sure their mouth is moist before meals If your client has limited vision, describe their meal to them clearly If your client uses dentures, make sure these are clean and fit well. It is important that they are checked regularly If your client has a small appetite, smaller meals may be better. Talk to your client and your supervisor about this If the texture of food and drinks you are preparing require modification, always let your client know what they are eating or drinking Support any religious, spiritual or cultural preferences your client may have around food. Talk to your supervisor about any translated educational material that you feel may be helpful. More information for aged care professionals For home care workers If you help your client with grocery shopping, find out their likes and dislikes and ensure they make their own choices. Alert your supervisor: if your client is taking glucose-lowering medicine (including insulin), and they skip their meal as this could cause hypoglycaemia if you notice they do not eat their meal, or that they have lost weight or their clothing has become loose immediately if your client has difficulty swallowing or has a wet or ‘gurgly’ sounding voice or increased coughing/choking during a meal. Your client may need to be referred to a speech pathologist for assessment. For residential aged care workers Alert your supervisor: if your client is taking glucose-lowering medicine (including insulin), and they skip their meal as this could cause hypoglycaemia if you notice they do not eat their meal, or that they have lost weight or their clothing has become loose immediately if your client has difficulty swallowing or has a wet or ‘gurgly’ sounding voice or increased coughing/choking during a meal. Your client may need to be referred to a speech pathologist for assessment. For residential aged care managers Staff need to be aware of what, when and how much residents eat every day. A dietitian can assist in developing an individualised healthy eating plan and menus for the facility that include adequate nutrition and hydration. A dietitian’s services may be subsidised by Medicare using a GP Management Plan. For registered nurses Staff need to be aware of what, when and how much residents eat every day. A dietitian can assist in developing an individualised healthy eating plan and menus that include adequate nutrition and hydration. A dietitian’s services may be subsidised by Medicare using a GP Management Plan. How to support: Follow the client’s diabetes management plan if they are taking glucose-lowering medicine (including insulin), and they skip their meal as this could cause hypoglycaemia. Report to the client’s doctor if: you notice they are eating less than usual, they have lost weight or their clothing has become loose your client has difficulty swallowing or has a wet or ‘gurgly’ sounding voice or increased coughing/choking during a meal. Your client may need to be referred to a speech pathologist for assessment. Featured resources Diabetes management in aged care handbook (chapter 13) Healthy eating – Six-minute intensive training poster Healthy meal ideas Healthy food choices Find more resources
