Module 6: Solving Problems and Planning for the Unexpected
New Beginnings: A Discussion Guide for Living Well With Diabetes
- Module 1: Living Well With Diabetes
- Module 2: Knowing Your ABCs
- Module 3: Understanding Your Feelings
- Module 4: Building Self-Confidence
- Module 5: Managing Stress
- Module 6: Solving Problems and Planning for the Unexpected
- Module 7: Partnering With Your Health Care Team
For the complete discussion guide, download this page as a [PDF – 697 KB]
Living with diabetes is easier with a consistent daily routine, but the reality is that life throws us curve balls, and minor problems can have a major impact. It is important for people with diabetes to learn problem solving skills that will help them adapt to unexpected problems, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and plan for the unexpected (including emergencies).
Outline:
- Problem solving skills
- Common problems while living with diabetes
- Planning for the unexpected (including emergencies)
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the four steps to successful problem solving and how to use them to adapt to unexpected situations in their efforts to manage their diabetes.
- Name at least three action steps they plan to take to prepare for emergencies.
Suggested stories for this module:
- Healthy Eating at Family Gatherings and Special Events (video: about 3 minutes)
- Diabetes Travel Tips (video: about 4 minutes)
Handout
Key Messages
- Good problem-solving skills can help a person with diabetes be more prepared and more resilient (recover more quickly) when unexpected situations or problems occur.
- Having good problem-solving skills means being able to recognize a problem, develop a plan to solve the problem, prepare for and use the plan, and evaluate how well the plan worked.
- It is important for people with diabetes and their families to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters like hurricanes, snowstorms, and earthquakes.
Connecting Threads
Connecting Threads are topics that can be incorporated into New Beginnings sessions depending on the goals and needs of your participants.
Recommended Connecting Threads:
- Facilitating New Beginnings Online [PDF – 221 KB]
- Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Services [PDF – 178 KB]
- Building Social Connections in Family and Community Services [PDF – 237 KB]
- Spirituality as a Guide and Support [PDF – 182 KB]
Going Virtual Tips
- Use the virtual whiteboard to brainstorm ways to be prepared for emergencies. See the Connecting Thread: Facilitating New Beginnings Online [PDF – 221 KB] for ideas on how to adapt activities.
- The content on the Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet [DOC – 44 KB] can be shared as a Microsoft Word document or Google Doc before the session or after as homework. Group members can then fill it in online without having to print it.
- The video stories for this module can be played by sharing your screen (and computer audio) through your video teleconferencing platform. Another option is to share the links to the videos with your group members by email before the session starts.