Maximum Care
Safety Newsletter
January 2021
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Vitamin D, Respectfulness, Diabetic Care
Vitamin D
There has been recent research that has suggested Vitamin D may help guard against severe COVID-19.
A daily supplement containing 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D is likely safe for most people. Vitamin D may protect against COVID-19 in two ways.
First, it may help boost our bodies' natural defense against viruses and bacteria. Second, it may help prevent an exaggerated inflammatory response, which has been shown to contribute to severe illness in some people with COVID-19.
There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin D might help protect against becoming infected with, and developing serious symptoms of, COVID-19. We know, for example, that people with low vitamin D levels may be more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections.
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Respectfulness
This is a general reminder to be kind and respectful while in a client’s residence. This goes for dealing with a client, a family member or even their friends that may be over. It does not matter if you agree with their views on stuff or not. If it is not putting them or anyone else in danger, respect their views. Also, treat any belongings they have with respect, whether you believe it is worth a million dollars or if you think it is trash. Remember the old saying one man’s trash is another’s treasure.
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DIABETES
In the home care industry, we often run across participants who are diabetic. It can be confusing what we can and cannot help them with. Below is a list on how you can assist them.
Gather the supplies for them
Wipe finger with alcohol pad
Put needle in pen & set it
Assist participant by guiding hand to poke finger to get blood (you are not not to put needle in)
Put test strip in Glucometer
Guide participant’s hand to put blood on the test strip
Adjusting the number on insulin pen when instructed by client
Putting needle on insulin pen
Guide participant’s hand to do injection (you are not able to do the injection)
Help them clean up, never recap a needle, always put used needle in a plastic container with a lid even if an empty soda bottle
Signs of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar level)include:
Sweating
Feeling tired
Dizziness
Feeling hungry
Tingling lips
Feeling shaky or trembling
A fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
Becoming easily irritated, tearful, anxious or moody
Turning pale
If a low blood sugar level is not treated, you may get other symptoms, such as:
Weakness
Blurred vision
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Unusual behavior, slurred speech or clumsiness (like being drunk)
Feeling sleepy
Seizures or fits
Collapsing or passing out
Ways to bring blood sugar up
Have a sugary drink or snack – like a small glass of fizzy drink (not a diet variety) or fruit juice, a small handful of sweets, 3 or 6 glucose tablets or 1 to 2 tubes of glucose gel.
Test your blood sugar after 10 to 15 minutes – if it's improved and you feel better, continue with your routine.
If there is little or no change, treat again with a sugary drink or snack and take another reading after 10 to 15 minutes.
You may need to eat your main meal (containing a slow-release carbohydrate) if it's the right time to have it. Or, have a snack that contains a slow-release carbohydrate, such as a slice of bread or toast, a couple of biscuits, or a glass of cows' milk.
Signs of Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar level)
Thirst
Headaches
Trouble concentrating
Blurred vision
Frequent peeing
Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
Weight loss
Blood sugar more than 180 mg/dL
Ongoing high blood sugar may cause:
Vaginal and skin infections
Slow-healing cuts and sores
Worse vision
Nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, or erectile dysfunction
Stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea
Damage to your eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys
Ways to treat/prevent
Drink more water
Use insulin if prescribed
Eat healthier
Exercise more