As the UK’s population lives longer, more people are living in care homes or being cared for in their own homes.
It is estimated that in the UK the current residential and nursing care home population of 450,000 will increase to 1,130,000 in the next 50 years 1Diabetes UK (2010). Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Care Home Residents with Diabetes; 5 .
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 4 care home residents may have diabetes but there are many within care homes that have undiagnosed diabetes 2Diabetes UK (2010). Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Care Home Residents with Diabetes; 5 .
The Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Care Home residents with diabetes (2010) suggest:
- Care home residents should be screened for diabetes on admission and this should be repeated every two years
- All care home managers should put in place appropriate diabetes-specific training
- For all staff caring for residents with diabetes
- People living with diabetes being cared for in whatever setting have a high prevalence of vascular complications, are more susceptible to infections, and are more likely to be hospitalised compared to people with diabetes who are still able to live independently.
The aim of this resource is:
- to provide basic education and information about diabetes
- to ensure equity of care for all people living with diabetes who are being cared for
- to support those providing care within the home setting through practical guidance and advice
- 1Diabetes UK (2010). Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Care Home Residents with Diabetes; 5
- 2Diabetes UK (2010). Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Care Home Residents with Diabetes; 5
