Seeking to secure daily diabetes care including blood glucose testing & insulin injections in my home for my 75 yr. sister. She plans to relocate from her assisted living in Oregon to my home in Palmyra, Va. She has no desire to perform these tasks for herself & wants to pay someone to do them daily in my home. I feel I’m unable to commit to doing her diabetes care. Any advice is appreciated.
The blood glucose testing and insulin injections take minutes and a little practice. The foot care, eye care, skin care and the rest of the diabetic pea patch require constant vigilance and a compliant patient, and if your sister is shall we say not into self-care then it'll all be down to you.
Why does she want to relocate? What triggered the plan?
I really recommend speaking with her facility and getting their side of what assistance she is receiving. All of them cook, clean, do laundry, etc, are you prepared to do all of this for her?
What happens when she decides she doesn't want to pay for a nurse 4xs a day?
That you are tasked with finding her an assistant for something so vital to her health and well-being should be a red flag to you. She should be the one sorting this out. You are already being a caregiver, are you ready for 24/7/365?
’s very simple and she should know how to do it herself. I have given my own injections for years and even when I’ve been in the hospital and in the nursing home. All diabetics should know how to take care of themselves.
Do you two have all the picky things about living together on the table before the big move? What is the money situation? Who will be paying for what, etc.? Chores? Cooking? Cleaning?
Does she have children and regardless does she have her affairs in order? Living will, regular will, POA, etc.?
Caregiving - are you expected to be taking care of her?
You don't need to answer all this but just things for you to think about. The more you can iron out BEFORE she moves in, the better things will be with each of you having a clear picture of what to expect when you're living together.
Best of luck.