Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world, including many senior Australians. In fact, 50% of Australians with Diabetes are over the age of 65, and according to the ABS (2022), over 19% of people over the age of 75 have diabetes. While there is no cure for diabetes, there are a number of things that seniors can do to manage their condition and live a healthy life. By making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and regularly checking blood sugar levels, seniors can reduce their risk of complications and improve their overall health and well-being.
One important part of diabetes management is having access to support resources. There are a number of different resources available to senior Australians with diabetes, including government programs, non-profit organizations, and online resources. We’ve listed some of the different diabetes support resources available to senior Australians below.
Government programs
The Australian Government offers a number of programs to support senior Australians with diabetes. These programs include:
- The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS): The NDSS provides subsidised diabetes supplies and services to eligible Australians.
- The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). The AUSDRISK (Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool) is a concise set of questions designed to assist both healthcare professionals and individuals in evaluating the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next five years.
Non-profit organizations
There are a number of non-profit organizations that provide support and services to senior Australians with diabetes. These organizations include:
- Diabetes Australia: Diabetes Australia is the leading national charity for people with diabetes. They provide a range of support services, including education, information, and advocacy.
- Beyondblue: Beyondblue is a national mental health organization. They provide support services to people with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, which are common in people with diabetes.
Online resources
There are a number of online resources that can provide information and support to senior Australians with diabetes. These resources include:
- The JDRF website: The JDRF website provides information on type 1 diabetes research and support services.
- Building Blocks – Diabetes education video series: Diabetes Victoria’s Building Blocks is a series of brief, educational videos providing tips on managing diabetes.
Support groups
- Diabetes Support Australia and New Zealand: Diabetes Support Australia and New Zealand is the support group for those with diabetes and family for those that wish to understand this disease better.
- Diabetes Australia Member Community: Being a part of Diabetes Australia provides an opportunity to connect with fellow members through their member community forum. They hold regular online meet-ups and webinars, while the online library has a range of useful and relevant resources.
Joining a support group for seniors with diabetes can be a great way to get support and advice from others who understand what you are going through. Support groups can also provide a sense of community and belonging.
We hope this information is helpful. For more information on managing diabetes, speak to your local GP or go to this site.
Would you like to know more about how to self-manage your home care package? You can read more on our website or complete the below form and a member of our team will reach out to you.
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