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. https://www.ndss.com.au/
- 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. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk
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. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
- 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. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
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. https://jdrf.org.au/
- Building Blocks – Diabetes education video series: Diabetes Victoria’s Building Blocks is a series of brief, educational videos providing tips on managing diabetes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHuTLRnlRV4
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. https://www.facebook.com/groups/diabetessupportaustralia/
- 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. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/your-online-community/
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 https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
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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