Special considerations for older adults with diabetes residing in skilled nursing facilities

Abstract

About 25% of all residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have diabetes, and that proportion is expected to increase. SNF residents with diabetes have special needs related to nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and medical therapy. Vigilant assessment and maintenance of safety is also crucial for such patients, including but not limited to issues such as hyper- and hypoglycemia, polypharmacy, falls, lower-extremity problems, and transitions of care. Interventions to provide stable glycemic control; ensure adequate nutrition, hydration, and physical activity; decrease polypharmacy; prevent falls; facilitate transitions of care; and improve the diabetes-related knowledge of SNF staff can help to meet these needs. Although this article focuses on SNFs, many of the topics covered also apply to elderly people with diabetes in other long-term care settings.