Monitoring Capabilities of Patients’ Families to Support Elderly Diabetes Patients Undergoing Insulin Therapy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explain the components of monitoring capabilities of patients’ families to support elderly diabetes patients undergoing insulin therapy and the process of acquiring monitoring capabilities. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 family members of elderly diabetes patients who are undergoing treatment at home and receiving assistance with insulin injections. We analyzed the data using the modified grounded theory approach as reference. Results: The monitoring capabilities comprised seven categories (to fear hyperglycemia or/and hypoglycemia, to monitor glycemic excursions with one’s own assessment measure, to naturally assist elderly family member with eating and insulin injections when required and watch over him/her, to notice aging of elderly family member to the extent where he/she has become unable to perform self-injections, to love and respect aged family members, to obtain a doctor’s endorsement, and to take pride in one’s own assessment measure to administer injections in an experienced manner), which enabled us to describe the process of acquiring the capabilities. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest it is possible to provide instructions on family care based on monitoring capabilities.