Diabetes

The Program  |  Referrals & Payment  |  Service Area

Diabetes is usually a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. Hartford HealthCare at Home nurses are well versed in the three-pronged approach to diabetes treatment and can help their patients control their disease with appropriate diet, exercise and medications.

Nurses treat Type I and Type II diabetes and provide care and guidelines for monitoring diabetics who experience acute or chronic complications. Our staff also helps with lifestyle management to avoid complications such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, visual impairment and diabetic foot disease.

The Program

Nursing

• Clinical pathways specific to diabetic care and management
• Goals and interventions in which the client will participate (goals cannot be reached unless the client is in agreement with the plan of care)

Interventions:

• Blood sugar record; s/s of hypo/hyperglycemia; assessment of skin for neuropathy; edema; dry, scaly open area; use of glucometer; med reconciliation
• Interventions will be further divided into levels of care - level one and two. This occurs at each visit. Client will not progress from one level to the next until the intervention has been met.
• Receive Diabetic Education Booklet: Diabetic Stop Light/Zone

• Green - You are doing well
• Yellow - Call Your Nurse - Caution
• Red - Call Your Nurse or MD - Stop and Think
• Diabetic medications - Flyer
• Blood glucose log - Flyer
• Sick Day management - Flyer
• Hypo/Hyperglycemia - Flyer

REHAB - Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Coping strategies/depression assessment, modifying activities/environment to increase safety, ease, environmental assessment and modification, family education.

• Neuropathy - Balance sensory testing - safety and home exercise program (HEP)
• Low vision
• Diabetic meal prep
• Vital signs with activity - education for safety and stability
• Skin checks - specifically bottom of feet (may need strengthening / ROM or equipment)
• Compensatory strategies, i.e., teach to perform foot care
• Increase strength and ROM

Back to Top

Referrals & Payment

Referral and Payment Information:

• Medicare patients will have 100% coverage if meeting homebound requirements. Some insurers require pre-authorization.
• In referral, please include all disciplines that may benefit patient (PT, OT and/or RN) and why they should be seen (i.e., gait assessment, medication reconciliation, improved dynamic balance, etc.)

Back to Top

Service Area

The Most Comprehensive Provider of In-Home Care in Our Region. Services can be packaged to create a customized plan of care to optimize clinical outcomes, maximize independence and improve quality of life.

We are a not-for-profit community-based home health and hospice organization serving Connecticut residents in Hartford, Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven, Tolland and Windham counties. Founded in 1901, Hartford HealthCare at Home is part of an integrated health care system known as Hartford HealthCare. Hartford HealthCare at Home fulfills its mission by enabling individuals to achieve maximum independence, to participate in their own plan of care, and to live with dignity while receiving quality care in their own homes.