Carer of 79 year old diabetic struggling to maintain insulin injections

[Nick Canning]

Hello.
My father is a diabetic of some 40 years now and he has always managed his medication and insulin well until recently.
I found out last week that he hadn't taken his insulin for around 2 months when I found him in a barely conscious state while visiting. I called 111 and eventually they sent paramedics and during their visit we discovered a whole world of medication issues with him.
I have sorted to other day to day meds with the pharmacist and doctor with weekly deliveries in blister packs showing times of day for taking them.
The biggest worry is his insulin as even though I try to get there twice a day to check his sugar levels and set up his pens, he is lying/confused about when he has taken it when I can't make it round. My worry is that I am going away for a week at easter and I either need to take them with me or arrange some help for while I am away.
My mother doesn't seem to understand the gravity of the situation and is pottering about as if nothing is wrong so I can only assume she is scared of what's going on.
If anyone has any suggestions of where to start I would be very grateful.

 

[Jade]

Hi
You could check with his Gp to see if district nurse could visit to do his insulin. For other help at home could consider carers - they can only prompt with meds though.

 

[trophywench]

His own GP would be the first place I'd be asking questions too Nick - does the GP know your dad is neglecting his treatment and if so can he do anything or suggest how this can be sorted?

 

[Diabetes UK]

Hi Nick, yes to 'third' the above, you can speak to his GP about this, if he is getting confused about his medication, then he is at risk as you have clearly recognized.
Another option is to speak to your local adult social services. You can request a 'Needs Assessment' (anyone can make a request for this) and they should be able to support you in ensuring that your father is safe, putting a care plan in place if one is needed.

 

[HOBIE]

Please tell your Dad Well done ! from us all. 40yrs is a long time & really good luck with your challenge. Welcome Nick.

 

[Drummer]

One thing to be aware of is if there are several different agencies called in to call in to help that they have a clear set of instructions on who does what. My diabetic mother in law was having early morning visits from one agency, and they were making breakfast - toast and jam (I didn't believe it either) then an hour later another set of people arrived and they also made breakfast of toast and jam and tried to get her to eat it.