Retirement Living with Type 1 Diabetes: Finding the Right Fit

As we age with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), our living environment plays a crucial role in maintaining health, independence, and peace of mind. Retirement communities offer a spectrum of options—from independent living to skilled nursing care—each catering to varying levels of support and medical oversight.

The different types of retirement communities available include:

• Independent Living: Ideal for active adults seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to communal amenities and social activities.
• Assisted Living: Provides support with daily activities such as meals, medication management, and personal care, while promoting autonomy.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): Offer a continuum of care—from independent living to skilled nursing—within one campus, allowing residents to age in place as their needs evolve.
• Memory Care Units: Specialized settings for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, often integrated within larger assisted living or nursing facilities.

Each community type offers unique benefits. For individuals managing T1D, considerations such as on-site medical care, nutritional support, and staff trained in diabetes management are paramount.

Checklist: Choosing a Diabetes-Friendly Senior Living Community

Selecting the right community involves more than just amenities; it’s about ensuring comprehensive diabetes care. We’ve prepared a checklist to guide you through evaluating potential communities:

Care Planning and Emergencies

• Does each resident have a personalized care plan?
• How frequently are care plans reassessed to accommodate changes in diabetes management?

Medical Support

• Is there staff available to assist with insulin administration and glucose monitoring?
• Are there protocols for handling diabetes-related emergencies?

Nutrition and Dining

• Are diabetic-friendly meal options available?
• Can menus be customized to meet individual dietary needs?

Staff Training:

• Are caregivers trained in recognizing and managing diabetes symptoms?
• Is there ongoing education for staff on diabetes care best practices?

Wellness and Activities:

• Are there fitness programs suitable for individuals with diabetes?
• Is there access to wellness resources like dietitians or diabetes educators?

You can download the full checklist here: Checklist for Choosing a Senior Living Community for Someone with Diabetes (PDF).

Research Insights: Diabetes Care in Senior Living

Recent studies emphasize the importance of personalized and coordinated care for older adults with diabetes. For instance, a scoping review highlighted that care coordination interventions support older adults with diabetes by providing individualized, integrated health and social care services, leading to improved outcomes .

Moreover, assisted living communities have been shown to support seniors in managing their diabetes through medication reminders, glucose monitoring, and more.

Research on Care Coordination for Older Adults with Diabetes

Care Coordination of Older Adults With Diabetes: A Scoping Review

This scoping review highlights the positive outcomes of care coordination interventions for older adults with diabetes. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive care planning, effective system navigation across health and social care sectors, strong care coordinator-patient relationships, and caregiver support to inform best practices.
Care Coordination of Older Adults With Diabetes: A Scoping Review

A Senior’s Guide to Diabetes Care in Assisted Living Communities

This guide outlines how assisted living facilities support seniors with diabetes through medication reminders, assistance with glucose monitoring, and, in some cases, insulin administration by licensed nurses. It also discusses the benefits of such communities in enhancing the quality of life for residents with chronic health conditions.
A Senior’s Guide to Diabetes Care in Assisted Living Communities

Managing Diabetes in Assisted Living: Best Practices

This article discusses best practices for managing diabetes in assisted living settings, including the importance of consistent blood glucose monitoring and ensuring that staff are trained to assist residents with their diabetes care needs.
Managing Diabetes in Assisted Living: Best Practices

Questions for Residents of Senior Housing Options

Questions for Management of Senior Housing Options

Last updated 08/18/2025.