Bridges Community Home Health and Hospice is dedicated to keeping our patients on track with their recovery and comfort, even when unexpected events or emergencies interrupt our staffs routine.
We consider the individual health of each patient and their ability to cope with a specific circumstance or potentially evacuate their home entirely. We also acknowledge the importance of keeping our own staff, who could face risks to their own health and safety during a serious emergency.
Our internal emergency planning is coordinated with the individuals, families and communities we serve to ensure a seamless plan of action is laid out and the appropriate measures are taken in a timely manner as they are needed
Here are just a few ways we address certain emergency events:
Accountability Call System
Should an emergency occur in the region or community where a patient resides, you can rest assured knowing our team has already been in direct contact to confirm their safety and well-being. If weather conditions or other travel hazards prevent our staff from safely making a routine visit, we immediately reach out to all affected patients and their caregivers to confirm their safety and identify the potential for any additional risks, like a power outage.
Our emergency communication plan prioritizes transparency for patients and their loved ones, and helps our team identify which additional measures could be necessary.
Tailored Contingency Plannin
Because our home health services are delivered on an individualized basis, we have created specific contingency plans for different home environments that consider each patients level of independence and what type of supervision or assistance they have access to. In a community environment, there might be several individuals affected by one sudden event or emergency, though not all will face an equal risk.
When we reach out to a community to confirm patient well-being, we are diligent to confirm, and in some cases prioritize, the status of individuals who may have less ability to move on their own or even communicate with staff. It is in these rare cases that your care team must be prepared to go above and beyond to advocate for those who may not be in a position to do so themselves.
Additional Supplies
The last thing we want you to worry about during an emergency is whether you or your loved one has access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. Should a situation prevent a regular visit or service, our patients and their families can rest assured knowing our team has already considered this rare circumstance and have provided patients with the equipment, treatment supplies and instruction they may need.
Ongoing Training
Every provider, caregiver, volunteer and staff member at Bridges Community Home Health and Hospice is trained on our complete emergency preparedness system as a condition of joining our team. In addition to understanding our own internal plan and system, they must also know the details and plans already in place at the communities or facilities where their patients are staying. Staff go through additional training every year to refresh and update their knowledge on our safety procedures and the communities we serve.
As a hospice care provider, we understand the complexities and challenges of managing end-stage heart conditions. These advanced stages of heart disease can significantly impact the quality of life, making it essential to consider supportive care options that prioritize comfort and dignity.Common End-Stage Heart ConditionsCongestive Heart Failure (CHF): Advanced CHF often includes symptoms such as persistent fluid retention, severe fatigue, and difficulty breathing, even at rest.Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): When CAD progresses to frequent angina (chest pain) and limitations in daily activity, the condition may be nearing its final stages.Valvular Heart Disease: Severe valve dysfunction leading to heart failure or recurrent infections may indicate the need for advanced care.Cardiomyopathy: End-stage cardiomyopathy can result in arrhythmias, significant heart enlargement, and a decline in heart function.Pulmonary Hypertension: As pulmonary hypertension worsens, it can lead to right-sided heart failure and a marked decline in physical capabilities.Signs It May Be Time for Hospice CareFrequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits for heart-related symptoms.Progressively worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling, despite maximum medical therapy.Dependency on assistive devices like oxygen or a ventricular assist device (VAD).Decline in physical function, including the inability to perform daily activities.Presence of co-existing illnesses or significant weight loss (cachexia).According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), patients with heart disease qualify for hospice care if their life expectancy is six months or less, as certified by a physician (CMS, 2022).How Hospice Care HelpsSymptom Management: Hospice provides expert care to alleviate symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and fatigue.Emotional and Spiritual Support: Patients and families receive guidance and support to navigate the emotional challenges of end-stage heart conditions.Care Coordination: Hospice teams work closely with cardiologists, primary care providers, and family members to ensure continuity of care.Respite Care for Families: Caregiving can be overwhelming; hospice provides temporary relief to family members.Why Hospice is a Win for End-Stage Heart ConditionsQuality Over Quantity: Hospice shifts the focus to quality of life, helping patients find comfort and peace in their remaining days.Reduced Hospitalizations: Studies show that hospice care reduces hospital admissions and emergency department visits for patients with heart failure (Gelfman et al., 2021).Patient and Family Satisfaction: Families often report higher satisfaction with care when hospice is involved, as it addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.Cost-Effective Care: Hospice care can reduce healthcare costs by avoiding unnecessary treatments and hospital stays (Connor, 2021).Statistics to ConsiderNearly 6.2 million adults in the U.S. live with heart failure, and approximately 50% of these individuals will not survive more than five years after diagnosis (American Heart Association, 2021).Hospice care reduces healthcare costs by an average of $9,000 per patient during the last 30 days of life (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 2022).Next StepsIf you or a loved one is living with an advanced heart condition, consider how hospice care can help maintain dignity, comfort, and peace during this challenging time. Our team is here to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.Contact us today to learn more about hospice services for patients with end-stage heart conditions. Let us help you make the most of every moment. Contact us for details.ReferencesAmerican Heart Association. (2021). Heart disease and stroke statistics2021 update. https://www.heart.orgCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Hospice care eligibility. https://www.cms.govConnor, S. R. (2021). Hospice cost savings in the U.S.: Evidence and implications. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 24(5), 698-703.Gelfman, L. P., Kavalieratos, D., Teuteberg, W. G., & Lala, A. (2021). Hospice and palliative care for heart failure patients: Evidence and future directions. Journal of Cardiac Failure, 27(7), 888-897.
Dignity Care is a homegrown business in Boulder.In the 1990s, Mary Kirk, a registered dietitian, began caregiving for family and relatives. Her husband, Ged, offered a companion travel service for the elderly and disabled. Together they established Dignity Care, LLC in 1997 as a home care business with just two caregivers and a home office.As demand for home care service increased, Mary recruited additional caregivers, but always with an emphasis on the compassionate, respectful, personalized care that was Dignity Cares trademark. Mary created her own approach to senior home care, unique in this area.With this dedication and passion to provide the best caregivers in the Boulder County region, Dignity Care has continued to grow and in 2009 became licensed as a Class A home care provider. We specialize in using Certified Nursing Assistants on our teams so we can bring you the skill and experience you deserve, if you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
Too many seniors grapple with isolation and depression, but these are not a normal part of growing older. They are treatable medical illnesses, much like heart disease or diabetes. Depression is a serious illness affecting approximately 15 out of every 100 adults over age 65 in the United States.Seniors experiencing feelings of depression and isolation have a higher risk of hospital admissions, as well as a higher risk for being scammed. Not to mention it makes for a miserable life.So, what can you do? Helping seniors stay healthy means more than ensuring they get good physical care. Individuals living alone miss out on the stimulation of interactions with others on a regular basis. Our caregivers serve that dual purpose of providing physical care and social connection. We enjoy our clients, building a relationship with them, and sharing the highs and lows of their days. Caregivers can laugh with their clients and be an empathetic ear. We make sure our clients are getting out of the house and attending events and activities that interest them.Hiring a caregiver to help out, even for a couple of hours each week, brings conversation and spark along with the physical help. Caregivers are a good antidote for depression. If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.