Carers gifted with knowledge to support clients with diabetes
Healthcare Assistants were given relevant practical ways to support clients with New Zealand’s largest growing health condition at the New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) Diabetes Essentials professional development evenings.
Diabetes NZ Health Promoter Iliana Moala Fusitua and Diabetes Christchurch Manager Lynne Taylor presented on diabetes prevention, detection and care to nearly 100 healthcare workers in Auckland and Christchurch.
With 240,000 people in New Zealand currently diagnosed with diabetes and 100,000 sufferers undiagnosed the condition caused from insulin deficiency is, unfortunately, likely to be a growing part of many clients’ lives.
Healthcare Assistants, who attended the free NZTC professional development evenings, were made further aware of the seriousness of the condition.
Stories shared included cases when a small blister on the foot of a diabetic led to a below the knee amputation, and the importance of never using someone else’s medication.
Feedback from both events was extremely positive, with those in attendance sharing that the practical advice related directly to day-to-day work as a carer.
“I help serve the food at a rest home where quite a few of our residents are diabetic. The knowledge gained from tonight’s talk will help improve the care I give them,” said Naomi Painter, Thorrington Village, Christchurch.
Healthcare Assistant at WesleyCare, Christchurch, Jennifer Jimenz said the evening would assist her in identifying the early symptoms of diabetes in clients.
Auckland-based Glenda Adams from Settlers Albany said the amount of people in New Zealand with undiagnosed diabetes was “scary” and that the evening made her more aware of diabetes symptoms, which will help residents.
NZTC Program Manager for Health and Wellbeing Mandi Smith said, “It was fantastic to see so many carers brave the cold and come along to the Diabetes Essentials PD evenings.”
“Healthcare Assistants really care about their clients and work hard to deliver the best quality care. The growing attendance at the NZTC free professional development events is testimony to that strong commitment to being outstanding caregivers.”
The next free professional development evenings will be held in Auckland and Christchurch in October.
