As a social worker I meet individuals who have diabetes in counseling sessions and in educational classes. In each setting we talk about the emotional roller coaster ride these individuals may go through
Providing support
Perhaps you are a caregiver for an aging parent or spouse with type 2 diabetes, or you are the parent of a child living with type 1 diabetes. You can benefit from some help and guidance to relieve your stress but, most importantly, to provide the necessary care for your loved ones.
Teens in particular are already navigating a challenging time in their life and the burden of diabetes management adds to their emotional and mental health strains. Similarly, newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes are in need of special education and support. In fact, at one time or another, whether newly diagnosed or having lived with diabetes for many years, caregivers are called upon to provide support.
We have assembled a group of articles in this section which will help you develop a caregiving strategy for you and your loved ones.
Supporting a family member with diabetes
Do you sometimes feel you are doing it all? You spend your life running from one challenge to another, supporting a family member with diabetes in the midst of keeping your own life on track.
Diabetes caregivers – giving support without taking control
As people who support someone living with diabetes, we not only care for our loved ones, we also care about them.
Diabetes etiquette guide for people without diabetes
People with diabetes are often faced with thoughtless or ill-considered behavior from other people. Often this is due to lack of understanding about the condition and its management.
Motivational interviewing for teenagers with diabetes
Parents have asked me how they can help their teenagers when they notice their behaviours have changed.
Supporting parents during transition
Transitioning a son or daughter into an adult diabetic program from a pediatric family-child-centred diabetic program can be very emotionally upsetting for parents and the caregivers of these 18 year olds with diabetes.
