Living with diabetes brings daily challenges, but with the right education and support, patients can take control of their condition and maintain their independence at home. At Amedisys, we believe strongly in our research-backed empowerment programs designed to provide comprehensive care and education to patients and their caregivers, helping them effectively manage their symptoms while reducing the risk of hospitalization.
The Growing Impact of Diabetes
Diabetes affects more than 38 million adults in the United States, with about one in five unaware they even have the condition. [1] Globally, the number of diabetes cases among adults has more than quadrupled since 1990. [2]
When left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, slow-healing wounds and kidney disease. These complications can result in hospital admissions that could have been prevented with proper education and care management.
For eligible patients with a diabetes diagnosis, Amedisys offers an empowerment program centered on research-backed education and specialized care to enable patients to reduce risks and maintain a healthy lifestyle – all in the comfort of their own home.
The Role of Home Health Care in Diabetes Education
Incorporating a diabetes empowerment program within home health care goes beyond standard care – it fosters independence, confidence and a sense of control over one’s own health. Home health professionals are the advocates, educators and partners in diabetes management, ensuring that both patients and their caregivers receive the guidance and support they need
Building Patient Confidence Through Education
One of the most significant contributions of diabetes education is the confidence it can instill in patients to manage their own health and future. When they understand how their everyday choices can impact their condition, they feel more empowered to make better decisions and experience positive changes.
At Amedisys, our home health clinicians deliver practical education through a robust diabetes self-care workbook, personalized teaching and regular in-person visits.
Family Involvement in Diabetes Management
Caregivers play a vital role in supporting diabetic patients at home. Our home health teams actively involve caregivers in the education process, helping them understand the condition, treatment plan and ways to assist daily.
Caregivers learn practical skills such as:
- Preparing diabetic-friendly meals
- Recognizing signs of blood sugar highs and lows
- Support medication schedules and healthy routines
In some cases, patients may also qualify for a dietary consultation to receive specialized nutrition guidance tailored to their needs. This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of care and improves patient outcomes.
A Comprehensive Approach to Diabetes Management at Home
Diabetes management is more than just monitoring blood sugar levels. It’s a holistic approach to wellness that addresses all aspects of living with diabetes. Home health care providers can play a crucial role in bridging the gap with tailored diabetes education. Amedisys specifically leverages these core components with our diabetes empowerment program:
1. Personalized Diabetes Management Plans
Each patient’s experience with diabetes is unique, which is why any successful program ensures that care plans are customized to meet individual needs. Home health clinicians assess factors like lifestyle, mobility, dietary habits and comorbidities to create plans that are both realistic and effective.
Through home visits and continuous monitoring, patients receive hands-on guidance to manage their condition efficiently.
2. Blood Sugar Monitoring and Medication Adherence
One of the most challenging aspects of diabetes management is maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. Our program emphasizes the importance of regular glucose monitoring and teaches patients how to interpret their readings.
Many patients also struggle with medication adherence, mixing up dosages or being concerned about side effects. Home health clinicians reinforce the need for their prescribed medications, helping them understand how they work, how to take them as intended and how to minimize side effects.
3. Nutritional Guidance for Diabetes Control
A well-balanced diet is fundamental to diabetes management. [3] However, navigating the abundance of food choices can be overwhelming for patients and their families. A well-rounded diabetes management program includes nutritional counseling tailored to individual dietary needs and personal tastes.
Home health clinicians work with patients and caregivers to create simple meal plans focused on portion control, carb counting and healthy food swaps to support better blood sugar stability and overall health.
4. Encouraging Physical Activity Within Safe Limits
Physical activity is essential for blood sugar control, weight management and overall well-being. Home health care can help incorporate safe, low-impact movement recommendations tailored to each patient’s capabilities and comfort levels.
The interdisciplinary team, including nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists encourage incorporating physical activity into daily routines whenever possible with simple chair exercises, short walks or other therapeutic movements to improve mobility. This helps increase physical activity at a comfortable pace without risk of injury or overexertion.
5. Preventing Diabetes-Related Complications
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications like neuropathy [4], kidney disease, vision loss or cardiovascular issues. Early intervention and preventive care are critical for mitigating these risks.
The home health team educates patients on recognizing warning signs of complications and taking proactive steps to address them. This includes proper foot care, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol and scheduling routine medical check-ups.
Example of Effective Diabetes Management at Home
Let’s look at the journey of Robert, a 68-year-old retired teacher who was discharged from the hospital after hip surgery due to a fall. He struggled with uncontrolled diabetes, a contributor to his fall due to diabetic neuropathy affecting his feet. His blood sugar readings were consistently high, and he was confused with following correct medication management. Robert lived alone and was determined to maintain his independence but felt overwhelmed by the diagnosis and symptoms.
Once Robert came onto Amedisys’ service in the diabetes empowerment program, the team conducted a comprehensive assessment and developed a personalized care plan, which included:
- Twice-weekly visits from skilled nurses who taught Robert how to properly monitor his blood glucose and adjust his insulin based on readings and diet.
- Medication organization systems to ensure he took the right medications at the right times.
- Weekly sessions with a physical therapist who developed a safe walking program to improve his strength and circulation.
- Nutritional guidance to help him plan simple, diabetes-friendly meals that fit his preferences and budget.
- A home health aide who assisted with personal care while reinforcing diabetes education.
Over the home health care episode, Robert mastered blood sugar monitoring and developed a consistent routine for checking his levels. Feeling more confident after his physical therapy sessions, his mobility improved, and after his discharge from home health he began taking short daily walks around the neighborhood with help from a friend. He was not readmitted to the hospital over the 60-day period following home health admission.
By the time he was discharged from home health care, his A1C levels improved, he had lost 5 pounds and reported feeling more energetic and confident in his daily life.
Is Home Health Care Right for You?
If you or a loved one is struggling with managing diabetes, talk to your physician about whether our diabetes empowerment program can help you take control of your diabetes and stay healthier at home. You can also find a location near you or complete the form at the bottom of this page to speak to a home health care specialist.
Our team is ready to work alongside your healthcare providers and family caregivers to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs and goals, letting you navigate the challenges of diabetes and embracing a healthier, more independent lifestyle.
TeRonna Hall, RN, BSN, CCP, is a Clinical Content Development Specialist for Amedisys. She has 36 years of experience in healthcare, with 34 of those years being in home health, and is passionate about educating others about health topics.
