Diabetes in aged care

Supporting Aged Care Providers and Older People

There are over 1.5 million people in Australia diagnosed with diabetes and over 1 million of them (66%) are aged 60 years and older. Risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age and care can often become more complex with increased rates of comorbidities and diabetes-related complications.  There are high rates of diabetes in long-term care facilities with nearly one in three aged care residents living with diabetes.

Diabetes SA is committed to increasing knowledge and understanding of diabetes for older people who are living with diabetes and for the carers and workforce who support them.

How we can help

• Tailored training for your healthcare workforce to support people living with diabetes, either at your venue or at Diabetes SA Hilton training facility.
• Review of diabetes management and care at residential aged care sites, including policies, procedures, equipment, and staff training needs.
• Credentialled Diabetes Educators, Dietitians, and Exercise Physiology services, including 1-on-1, group sessions, face to face and telehealth, support.
• Diabetes education and information sessions for people who are living with diabetes or at risk of diabetes.
• Diabetes SA membership for individuals or organisations, including regular e-newsletters, MyLife magazine, free podiatry clinic, free hearing assessment, supermarket tours, webinars and other events and discounts.
• A wide range of resources and diabetes management products available in our retail store and online.
• Convenient location, inclusive resources available in a wide range of languages, specific programs at no cost for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Residential Aged Care Facility review by Credentialled Diabetes Educator (RN)

• Review of diabetes policies and procedures, staff training records, selected resident care plans and other records, to identify areas for improvement in diabetes care and management
• Staff knowledge gap analysis
• Staff interviews, observation and shadowing to assess staff practices
• Inspection of diabetes related supplies, equipment and technology
• Check of diabetes related storage logs and records

Detailed report including strengths, identification of urgent actions required, recommendations for quality improvement, alignment with Aged Care Quality Standards, and staff training plan. Additional option to include menu review by dietitian, consumer-centred resident and family interviews, or staff mentoring.

For more information:

Phone 1300 198 204

Email healthservices@diabetessa.com.au