Fallbrook Memory Care Facility | Critical Illness Awareness Month

In a memory care facility, commemorating Critical Illness Awareness Month is a chance to promote compassion, understanding, and support. Educational seminars for staff and relatives can increase awareness of the difficulties faced by residents with critical conditions. Straightforward, participatory activities like memory exercises and relaxing therapies enhance emotional well-being. Working with medical specialists in a Fallbrook memory care facility can yield insightful information and helpful resources for improved care management. The month’s celebration can emphasize the value of individualized care while honoring the resiliency of residents and caregivers by emphasizing empathy and education. This will foster a supportive and caring atmosphere for all parties involved.

Critical Illness Awareness Month

You must know that the number of Americans suffering from stroke or heart attack every year is comparable to cancer diagnoses and other critical illnesses. October is a timely occasion to celebrate Critical Illness Awareness Month because it provides information about preventing, treating, and providing patient care for those affected by the disease.

The goal of Critical Illness Awareness Month is to increase public awareness of severe illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other ailments that can be fatal. The main goals are to raise public awareness of the effects of these diseases, encourage early detection, and support impacted individuals.

It also highlights the significance of appropriate medical attention, available treatments, and financial preparation, which includes critical sickness insurance. Advocacy groups frequently organize activities and campaigns throughout this month to disseminate information, share firsthand accounts, and raise awareness of the psychological and physical toll that chronic illnesses take on patients and their families.

Critical Illnesses and Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

There are studies about critical illness that involved survivors having prolonged and disabling forms of cognitive impairment. That said, patients in medical and surgical intensive care units are at high risk for long-term cognitive impairment. Note that dementia is a terminal disease that may lead to progressive cognitive and functional decline. So, the incidence of dementia in older adults in the hospital increases as the elderly population continues to rise. This is associated with poor short-term and long-term outcomes.

With that being said, delirium is connected with an accelerated cognitive decline in hospitalized patients with dementia. However, it can be managed by doing accurate and early diagnosis. There is a lack of evidence-based management guidelines in the setting of critical illness and dementia. So, management must define goals early on when dealing with hospitalized elderly and using palliative care and hospice when necessary.

Furthermore, there were findings that hospitalization will increase the risk of subsequent diagnosis of dementia. There are different illnesses independently associated with dementia, such as severe sepsis, acute dialysis, and neurological dysfunction.

Facilities can help manage patients with critical illnesses through a comprehensive, person-centered approach and combining specialized care for physical and cognitive health needs.

Providing personalized patient care
Involving specialists in providing integrated medical care
Prioritizing pain management and comfort care from palliative care teams
Managing prescriptions to make sure patients get proper dosages
Providing emotional support and communication
Conducting specialized training for staff
Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration
Involving family in the care process
Facilities must be able to handle end-of-life care

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Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper