How do I look after a diabetic grandmother at home?

Some senior centers have monthly diabetic foot care clinics run by local visiting nurses association.

If the long-term plan is for family members to "take part" in looking after her (beyond 68) then this needs to be an intentional discussion so that people aren't "assumed" into this role. If you are from a recently immigrated family (like mine) this is a very culturally-based approach to senior care, especially if her English is not good. If grandma is having problems controlling her diabetes now, it is imminent that she will be a dumpster fire of care with your entire family orbiting around her and her health issues. I agree wholeheartedly that 68 is not old and she must be responsible for keeping her primary health issue under control. Please read on this forum how intense caregiving can be when people are not compliant. If your grandma loses her mobility, life will be altered for everyone. Again, please read some of the posts on this forum so you are going into caregiving with your young eyes wide open. Bless you for caring about her so much!

I agree with other posters. Foot care is extremely important for diabetics.

Please take her to a doctor or emergency room ASAP.

I hope a doctor is aware of the infection. This should not be cared for by an amateur who has not been shown how to care for the infection and what to look for. Diabetes effects circulation in feet and legs. If sores/infections don't clear up Grandmom could lose her foot or leg.

At 68 she should still be able to do for herself. You should not do what she can do fir herself. Diabetics need to watch their weight and definitely need to exercise.

68 is not old. If this infection is not healing then she needs to have woundcare outside the home or in home care is required. Don't disable her. Make her do. There should be no continuous care for a 68 yr old woman.

Is there some reason that she is not in charge of her own diabetes treatment? Is she Type I or II?

It’s nice to have support from family, but it’s really up to the diabetic to manage their condition, if they are capable. Often, poor control can result in complications. Do you know if that’s what happened?

I’d try to get her access to a good Endocrinologist, Certified Diabetes Educator and material to read about the condition. Their are online resources, virtual conferences, etc. Good management is personal and only she can control that. It’s not easy. I’m Type I and would encourage her to hang in there. It’s never too late to do better and doctors want to help not blame. If your blood glucose numbers are not good, it can bring you down. Sometimes, you give up, so let her know to educate herself on treatment, get good medical care and find an online support website to post about struggles, share, get support from others in similar situation. I wish you all the best.