What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that can affect anyone with diabetes, especially as they age. Here is some important insight from senior living specialists in Camden County.

What causes diabetic neuropathy? 

High blood sugar interferes with how the nerves communicate with one another and, over time, this can cause the nerve fibers to become damaged. In addition, high blood sugar weakens the blood capillaries that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. Genetic factors, nerve inflammation, smoking and alcohol abuse can also contribute.

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy? 

There are four types of this condition, each with different symptoms.

Peripheral neuropathy, the most common version, affects the feet, legs, arms and hands. Symptoms in the affected extremities include numbness, reduced response to pain or temperature, sharp pain, cramps, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to touch, loss of balance, and foot conditions (bone and joint pain, ulcers infections, etc.)

Autonomic Neuropathy can affect the eyes, sex organs, bladder, heart, lungs, and digestive system. Symptoms include constipation, bladder problems, diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, increased/decreased sweating, vision trouble when adjusting from light to dark, and sharp drops in blood pressure.

Radiculoplexus neuropathy affects the thighs, buttocks, hips and legs. Symptoms include sudden/severe pain, muscle weakness, abdominal swelling, difficulty getting up from a sitting position, and weight loss.

Mononeuropathyinvolves a specific nerve, often in the eye, face or leg. Symptoms will be limited to the area affected, for example, difficulty focusing your eyes, pain in the front of your thigh, paralysis on one side of your face, etc. Although often painful, it usually doesn’t cause long-term damage.

Treatment for diabetic neuropathy 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, so prevention is key. Treatments may include pain relief and therapies to manage complications or restore lost function, however, it is vital to:

• Keep blood sugar levels within the recommended target range
• Keep blood pressure within the recommended target range
• Give up smoking and alcohol (or drink in moderation)
• Commit to a recommended diet and fitness regime
• Follow your doctor’s recommendation for foot care
• Have regular checkups, especially if you notice any of the listed symptoms

Assisted Living in Camden County, NJ 

United Methodist Communities at Collingswood offers quality assisted living n a welcoming and friendly community. With nurses available at all times, we pride ourselves on care at the level you need when you need it. In addition to our assisted living, we also offer long-term care.To find out more about United Methodist Communities at Collingswood, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy/

Great outings and events for seniors this summer

• The Tri-County Fair: Held in Rockaway, NJ from June 16-19, this family-friendly fair is a great event for all ages. With ample local food, live music and fireworks, it’s a terrific day out to share with your loved ones.
• Canal Day Festival: A country fair that celebrates the rich history of the Morris Canal and the surrounding communities, this festival is held in Hugh Force Canal Park in Wharton, NJ on 20 August. Featuring a craft show, great food and musical performances ranging from classical productions to Irish folk music, this is an entertaining and family-friendly cultural event.
• NJ State Barbeque Championship & Blues Festival: If the only thing you love more than the blues is a great barbeque, then you can’t miss this festival! Featuring live cooking demonstrations alongside top regional and national blues acts, this festival is held on June 8-10 in North Wildwood, NJ.
• Grounds for Sculpture: Located at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton, this park is open from Tuesday to Sunday as well as Memorial Day weekend. Filled with incredible sculptures that change on a rotating basis and host to wellness walks, guided tours and HortiSculpture  talks, this park is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
• Free summer movies: Counties all over New Jersey offer free viewings of movies at various locations, from community centers and parks to beaches and libraries. Catch all your favorite classics under the starry skies at Sparta’s Dyktra Park and Summit’s Village Green – or any of the other many locations featured across the state.
• High Point State Park: If you’d like to get away from it all, this beautiful state park offers a serene day trip into nature. Ideal for the family as well, this park offers fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming and plenty of nature walking opportunities.

Live life to the full with independent living communities in Sussex County, NJ 

United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen offers the highest level of independent senior living at our continuing care retirement community in New Jersey. Our priority is that you live life to the fullest while we take care of all your day-to-day tasks.

While we offer assisted living, nursing and  skilled nursing services, we customize the level of assistance you require in order to perfectly meet your individual needs. Our welcoming and social atmosphere allows you to mix with the community at a level at which you are comfortable. Our wide range of activities, outings, events and social clubs allow you to pursue your interests and hobbies.

For more information on Bristol Glen and our CCRC facilities, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/great-outings-events-seniors-summer/

The importance of compassionate hospice care

Hospice care is designed to ensure the dignity and comfort of  people at the end of their lives. It’s not just limited to medical and physical care – it’s about giving as much compassionate support to them, their families and loved ones as possible.

When is hospice care needed? 

This level of care applies only when a person has been medically certified to have six months or less to live. Requests for hospice care are assessed by doctors, who will then recommend that hospice care is necessary.

Who is part of the hospice care team? 

A team of professionals work together to ensure that every need for care, comfort and support are met. This team includes a social worker and/or chaplain, as well as a nurse, nursing aid and other specialists who can assist with medical, spiritual, emotional and other needs. They are also  assist the families by providing compassionate support and assisting with any special details and tasks that are requested

How does the hospice medical team care for the patient? 

The medical side of hospice care focuses on keeping your loved one comfortable and pain-free, often a concern for  people with serious terminal illnesses. The team monitors their comfort  and implements a program that will work best for each one, which may include medication, therapies and procedures designed to increase comfort and ensure the best quality of care at all times.

High quality end-of-life care in Cape May County, NJ 

United Methodist Communities at The Shores strives to deliver the very best hospice care for your loved one in Bridges, an assisted living neighborhood dedicated to hospice and palliative care.  Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Bridges is a warm and compassionate space where residents and their families receive the attention and care they need during this difficult time. As a United Methodist community, we strive to ensure that all of our residents needs are met, from their physical comfort to spiritual support and companionship. Our associates are  trained and experienced.

For more information on hospice services, please contact us today.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/importance-compassionate-hospice-care/

Sun-safe tips for seniors

Summer is here and that means plenty of opportunities to get out and about, enjoy the warm weather and get involved in the many great seasonal community events! Just be sure to follow these tips from assisted living experts in South Jersey for staying safe in the heat.

1. Stay hydrated: It’s very easy to become dehydrated in this heat, especially as you age. Because your body stops retaining water as well as it used to, and it’s more difficult to pick up thirst signals, it’s always good to have an extra few glasses of water throughout the day. Remember to pack water for any long summer drives and try to include a sweat replacement product (these contain essential salts and potassium) in your diet if you are feeling dehydrated.
2. Medical conditions and hot weather: Certain chronic medical conditions can be aggravated by the heat, so stay aware of your body temperature and possible worsening of symptoms. Try to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and, if you find yourself feeling too hot while on an outing, spend a few hours in a cool location to restore yourself. Grocery stores, cinemas and libraries are all great places to stop and cool off.
3. Keep your medications cool: Heat can damage your medications, so be sure to keep them in dark, cool locations (room temperature is fine) and off sunny shelves.
4. Protect your eyes: Protecting your eyes is essential. As we age, we become more and more vulnerable to eye conditions that lead to vision loss, as the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays can make many of these conditions much worse, it’s important to wear sunglasses that offer 99-100% certified protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.
5. Protect your skin: Your skin can become more vulnerable to damage as you age. Wear a good sunblock of 30SPF (sun protection factor) or more when you are outdoors. Light, loose-fitting clothing and hats will also help you keep cool and protected from the sun.
6. Know the signs of heat stroke: Heat stroke can happen quickly, and knowing the symptoms can help keep you and other seniors safe from a potentially fatal condition. Signs to watch for include flushed face, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness, and confusion. Contact a nurse as soon as possible, drink cool water and sit down out of the heat, if possible.

Assisted living services for independent seniors in South Jersey

United Methodist Communities at The Shores, prioritizes quality of life – allowing seniors to enjoy their community, friends and social activities while we manage their tasks of day-to-day living. With comfortable, open-plan apartments, a lively community spirit and an events calendar filled with activities, we offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

In addition to assisted living, our senior communities also offer comprehensive hospice services and respite care, and are fully able to serve the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

For more information on The Shores and our senior communities, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/sun-safe-tips-seniors/