In home diabetes care. Where do I start?

My advice is that you squash this plan as firmly and quickly as possible. Preferably as kindly, too, but not at the risk of allowing it to remain on the table.

The blood glucose testing and insulin injections take minutes and a little practice. The foot care, eye care, skin care and the rest of the diabetic pea patch require constant vigilance and a compliant patient, and if your sister is shall we say not into self-care then it'll all be down to you.

Why does she want to relocate? What triggered the plan?

Where I live, you can only move into an assisted living facility because you CAN NOT do all of your own activities of daily living and need assistance.

I really recommend speaking with her facility and getting their side of what assistance she is receiving. All of them cook, clean, do laundry, etc, are you prepared to do all of this for her?

What happens when she decides she doesn't want to pay for a nurse 4xs a day?

That you are tasked with finding her an assistant for something so vital to her health and well-being should be a red flag to you. She should be the one sorting this out. You are already being a caregiver, are you ready for 24/7/365?

She needs a Dexcom to wear to track her blood sugar. An insulin pump that gives her insulin is another option. Her doctor can prescribe both and Medicare pays. I use a Dexcom. Very effective monitor. I give myself 4 shots a day. Very easy. Not doing it yourself I’ve very wasteful. It
’s very simple and she should know how to do it herself. I have given my own injections for years and even when I’ve been in the hospital and in the nursing home. All diabetics should know how to take care of themselves.

Good luck finding someone. You need a licensed nurse and it depends on if a sliding scale is needed. Many facilities cannot do this except nursing homes. However if she is on those once a day injections it might be easier. Everything depends on the state scope of practice. Some services can only be hired to supervise the patient who injects themselves. You may be looking at becoming her medicine admistrator. Once you call around, you may find the ssme answers. Will you have a storm plan if the caregiver cannot drive to you? If it is not financially feasible to get several doses administered, you can ask the doctor to switch to some of those once daily doses. It will cost more

Around me, I'd call home health services. You probably have something similar. Or ask around for private caregivers in your area. I'm not sure how many times a day she has to test and do injections. I would talk to her about cutting carbs and sugar waaaaay back and see if that can help. You should not take over her diabetes care. If she can't be bothered to learn how to do it, why should you?

Do you two have all the picky things about living together on the table before the big move? What is the money situation? Who will be paying for what, etc.? Chores? Cooking? Cleaning?

Does she have children and regardless does she have her affairs in order? Living will, regular will, POA, etc.?

Caregiving - are you expected to be taking care of her?

You don't need to answer all this but just things for you to think about. The more you can iron out BEFORE she moves in, the better things will be with each of you having a clear picture of what to expect when you're living together.

Best of luck.