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Special Needs of Children & Aging Parents

Caring for someone, young or old, who is living with diabetes requires patience, love, and understanding.

Being the caregiver of a child who has diabetes presents a unique set of challenges. As your child grows up, they will need to learn to take ownership and responsibility for their diabetes care, piece by piece. You, as their parent, will need to let go of certain aspects of their diabetes management. In addition to a shift of medical duties, there are many emotions in flux during this transition.

Being the caregiver of an older relative who is living with diabetes has its own set of challenges. Some responsibilities may be shifted to you as your loved one ages, leaving some aspects of their diabetes management in your hands. This situation also presents both physical and emotional challenges.

However, regardless of who you are taking care of, it is important that you are taking care of yourself, too. Caregivers can lose sight of their own health when they are so firmly focused on the health of their loved ones. You are important, too!

Read on to find out ways to help and be helped.

Respite Care: Relief for the Caregiver
Caring for someone is demanding work. Respites offer caregivers the opportunity to take a much-needed break. Find out more about the types of respite care services available to caregivers.

Where to Find Respite Resources
Looking for reliable relief from the pressures of caregiving? Start with this list of resources.

How to Find the Right Home Health Care Agency
Deciding to employ the services of a health care agency is no light task. Get help here with selecting the right provider for you and your loved one.

Getting Your Siblings to Help with Caregiving
It is not uncommon for one adult child to bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities. But siblings near and far can also carve out helpful roles that can make the job easier for everyone.

Caregiving Issues and the Workplace
Taking on the responsibility of caring for an aging parent or loved one can carry over to all aspects of the caregiver's life, including the workplace. Get the facts on your rights and learn more about your possible options at your job or in your state.