Managing diabetes and foot care for seniors
Diabetes and foot health typically go hand-in-hand – uncontrolled high blood sugar can reduce blood flow in your feet, leading to problems with cuts and sores healing. If you have diabetes, are at risk of developing diabetes, or have a foot condition, this program is for you.
Led by our registered nurses, we will support you to recognise the lifestyle factors that can affect diabetes as you age and provide essential information on how to recognise diabetes-related foot conditions. You will also learn how to adjust your diet and nutrition to manage your health effectively so that you can stay well and on your feet.
- Learn to recognise the early signs of diabetes as you age and what you can do to manage them.
- Learn foot care tips that will help you to stay active and assist with the prevention of falls.
- Learn how to control your diabetic condition more effectively through diet and nutrition.
About the Diabetes and Foot Wellness program
This is a 16-week program including two clinical sessions at the beginning and the end, where you will receive your individual health assessment. A weekly 2-hour group session will run for the 14 weeks in between (face-to-face or virtual).
With the assistance of our registered nurses, you will set goals that will help you manage your diabetes and achieve better foot health. Individual reviews may also be conducted as required to monitor your progress, make any adjustments to your program and help celebrate your achievements.
As part of this program, you will receive:
- An educational manual with information on foot and diabetes care for your reference.
- An iHealth health monitoring device which you can keep upon completion of this program.
- A borrowed iPad (for the duration of the program) to help increase your access to identified support and participate in the program.
- An individualised health check and health plan.
Eligibility criteria*
- You need to be aged over 65 or over 50 for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders.
- Some services may be available to people aged under 65.
How can I access this service?
You can access this service in several ways, depending on your needs and individual situation.
In Centre
You can attend one of our Wellness or Activity Centres to take part in this service.
Join us at one of our Wellness or Activity Centres for this service.In Community
A team member can help take you from A to B in your local community.
Learn more about services in your communityDelivered Online
We can deliver this service to you over a video call on a computer or tablet.
Learn more about our virtual servicesHow can I pay?
There are several ways to access our services and programs, including the funding options outlined below.
Government Funding
Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program options.
More informationPrivate pay
You can choose to pay for our programs and services yourself if you’re not receiving government funding.
More informationFrequently Asked Questions for foot care
Designed for older people who are living with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes, this program supports you to recognise the lifestyle factors that can impact your foot health, and the changes you can make to stay active and independent.
Yes, this service can be aligned with your values and preferences. We will take the time to learn your individual cultural and care needs so they're always considered when making our recommendations. We will also encourage you to set meaningful goals and help you to achieve these. You may also have your preferred support person included during the program, or access interpreting services if required.
This program is run by Registered Nurses and Endorsed Enrolled Nurses.
Yes, all participants will receive an iPad with a data plan, an iHealth device and an educational manual containing information on diabetes and foot health which is yours to keep.
You may keep the iHealth device and educational manual, however iPads will need to be returned upon the completion or cancellation of the program.
Our Diabetes and Foot Wellness program aims to help you take care of your feet to avoid falls via specialist education, information and the diagnosis of different conditions, helping you manage your foot care effectively at home.
Yes, we can help refer you to podiatry services via My Aged Care. Contact us at on 1300 782 896 to discuss more.
Our Registered Nurses/Podiatrists will share important knowledge on diagnosing and treating different foot conditions and how to assist with the prevention of wounds. You will also learn how to manage foot care effectively at home.
Unfortunately, no. However, we can refer you to our Health Services team or My Aged Care, who may be able to help you access government funded medication. Contact us at on 1300 782 896 to discuss more.
Should you miss a session, you can catch up by reading your program manual. If you are unable to finish the program due to personal or health related reasons, we will assess your situation and add you to another program when it becomes available.
More resources for you
Find more aged care services
You can choose which services you want and we’ll make a package tailored for you.