Leni Wood, Head of Nutrition and Wellness at Nellsar Care Homes
According to the latest figures released by Diabetes UK, an alarming diabetes crisis is growing in the UK, affecting more than five million individuals, with an additional 850,000 remaining undiagnosed. This highlights the immediate need for comprehensive diabetes care that tackles the varying challenges faced by these individuals head-on.
How does diabetes impact older adults?
The British Dietetics Association encourages people with diabetes to steer clear of processed foods and refined sugars while also emphasising hydration and embracing a whole-food diet consisting of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and a healthy dose of vegetables. However, following these guidelines for diabetes proves to be complicated, particularly for older adults. Many seniors living with diabetes may suffer from undernutrition or being underweight, rendering the blanket reduction of calories, fats, salt, and sugar inappropriate for their individual needs.
Always seek nutritional expertise
A range of factors can reduce the appetite of older individuals, such as the side effects of medications, oral health complications, dehydration, social isolation, as well as a range of illnesses. To make sure older individuals with diabetes receive the most thorough support possible, it is essential that they receive a comprehensive nutritional assessment from a registered dietitian.
As is the case within the 13 care communities within Nellsar Care Homes, an in-house nutritionist emerges as an indispensable resource in supporting residents living with diabetes. These experts work closely with care home kitchens to create bespoke menu plans, offer culinary recommendations, and provide educational sessions for staff and residents alike. The key here is the promotion of a “food-first” approach that ensures residents have access to delectable meal choices rich in nutrients and flavour.
More efforts can be made to elevate the dining experience for care residents living with diabetes. Simple strategies like coaching catering teams to signpost balanced and healthy options on menus and tea trolleys, are often effective. In a bid to foster inclusivity, at Nellsar, we opt for the term “healthy choices” instead of constricting them as “diabetic options”.
Something that can’t be ignored is the residents’ existing food preferences and their previous approaches to self-managing diabetes in their own homes. While some may have adhered to diabetes-specific diets, it’s important to understand that sugar-free alternatives do not appease everyone’s palate or individual requirements. For those dependent on insulin, meticulous blood sugar level management will always be essential, yet the task assumes added complexity for individuals living with conditions such as dementia, who often have a preference towards sweeter foods.
Embracing the principle of moderation
A key term for diabetes management in care homes is ‘moderation’. Striking a delicate balance is challenging and as much as it’s important to acknowledge reduced sugar alternatives, we now have access to an abundance of tasteful recipes that offer nutritional balance and great flavour.
Optimal diabetes care needs to look beyond merely controlling the condition; rather, it should consider enhancing the quality of life for those living with this condition. As an industry, we must forget the outdated notion that “sugar is forbidden” for individuals living with diabetes, urging instead to embrace a person-centred approach that recognises the profound impact of dietary choices on overall well-being.
