When an older adult is diagnosed with diabetes, you may immediately start thinking about ways to reduce the amount of sugar they eat. One way to do that is with sugar substitutes. The problem is that there are so many different kinds of artificial sweeteners that you may be uncertain which one to buy. The truth is that you may need to get more than one kind of artificial sweetener depending on just how you plan to use it.  

Kinds of Sugar Substitutes 

How you are going to use the sugar substitute is important because some artificial sweeteners don’t work well in baking. It’s also important to know that sugar substitutes cause differences in baked goods, such as: 

* Lighter finished color. 
* Lower volume in quick breads, cakes, and muffins. 
* Different texture. 
* Slightly different taste. 
* Altered cooking time. 

With that in mind, there are several kinds of sugar substitutes to choose from. Some of them are: 

Saccharin: Saccharin is sold under the brand names Sweet n’ Low and Sugar Twin. It’s available in small packets that can be added to hot and cold drinks. It can also be used to sweeten either hot or cold foods. 

Stevia: Stevia is often called a “natural” sweetener. While it comes from a natural source, the stevia plant, it is actually highly-processed since it goes through a complicated purification process. It can be used in hot foods because it does stay stable when it is heated. 

Aspartame: Aspartame, which you may be familiar with as Equal or Nutrasweet, is a sweetener you should not use in baking because it breaks down and loses its sweetness when heated. It is best used as a substitute for table sugar to add to drinks or a bowl of cereal. 

Sucralose: Sold as Splenda in the United States, sucralose is another sweetener that can be used in baking or as a table sweetener.  

Are They Safe? 

You may have some concerns about whether artificial sweeteners are safe for your aging relative. In the past, there was some suggestion that they may cause health problems. However, there is a great deal of research that indicates they are safe. However, they really have no nutritional value, so it’s still best to use them in moderation. 

Elder care providers can help modify your older family member’s diet by using sugar substitutes. An elder care provider can offer the senior a packet of sweetener for their coffee or tea rather than getting out the sugar. Elder care can also cook healthy meals and an occasional dessert using a sugar substitute instead of sugar. 

Sources:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/sugar-replacements-for-diabetics-1087191 
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323469.php 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936 
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/artificial-sweeteners/using-sugar-substitutes.html 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Highland Park IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

It’s no secret that our skin changes as we age. In elders, the skin isn’t as firm and supple as it once was, and it is more susceptible to dryness. Dry skin can also lead to scratches, bruising, discomfort, rashes and certain chronic conditions. Part of your role as a family caregiver is to look out for your elder loved one and make sure their physical and mental needs are met. This includes creating an elder care routine that all family members and home care assistants will follow that focuses on your loved one’s skin care.  
 
Here are 7 ways to prevent dry skin conditions in elder loved ones. 
 
1. Drink Lots of Water 
Hydration is the key to reducing dryness in the skin. Elders may not consume as much water as they should for various reasons, but the skin needs as much as it can get. Sometimes, chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney issues can trigger skin dryness, so lots of water will benefit the entire body.  
 
2. Use Unscented Lotion and Soap 
Elderly skin can be more sensitive to perfumes, dyes and chemicals, leading to itching and rashes. Make sure your elder loved one is using mild soaps, deodorants and lotion as part of their elder care routine. 
 
3. Wear Sunscreen Every Time 
The skin grows less resistant to damage form UV rays with age. Also, sunburns can produce more intense negative effects in elders than in others. Whenever they go out into the sun for activities like gardening, walks or sporting events, elders should wear a strong sunscreen to protect them. 
 
4. No Hot Baths or Showers 
Hot water from baths and showers can dry out the skin, so make sure your loved one only has warm water during these times. Sitting in hot tubs and even swimming in pools laden with chemicals can increase skin dryness. If your elder enjoys these activities, encourage them in moderation. 
 
5. Invest in a Humidifier 
Especially in dry climates, seniors face an uphill battle in keeping their skin from drying out. A room humidifier can launch tiny water particles into the air, boosting humidity and making the skin less dry. A bonus side effect of a humidifier is reduced dry coughing as well. 
 
6. Stop Smoking 
Smoking is a bad habit that can affect the skin greatly by making it look leathery and dry. Even if the elder doesn’t smoke, skin can still be affected by being around others when they are smoking.  
 
7. Trim Fingernails 
With dry skin, elders will want to get to every itch vigorously. However, aging skin is much thinner and more delicate so long nails can actually open the skin up and cause wounds. Because skin takes longer to heal in the elderly, it’s a good idea to avoid this if possible. 
 
These effective skin care tips for elders will bring them long term benefits because they won’t have to suffer the discomfort of dryness. Also, they will look and feel better overall when their skin is healthy. There’s no doubt that elders care about how they look and feel, so encourage them to follow the tips and techniques that lead to better skin health. 
 
Source:  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/skin-care-and-aging 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Highland Park IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.