Most conditions impacting people living in a long-term care facility are chronic. The most common chronic conditions include high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, depression, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
But, chronic disease is not exclusively reserved for those in long-term care. According to statistics cited by the American Hospital Association, about 133 million Americans — equivalent to nearly half the U.S. population — live with at least one chronic condition.
Properly managing a chronic condition is the best way to minimize its impact and live in the healthiest, happiest way possible. And there are ways to achieve that, even in long-term care facilities.
As a committed pharmacy partner for a variety of long-term care facilities across the country, from skilled nursing facilities to assisted living communities to correctional facilities and hospice care, we at UnitedRx help caregivers manage a wide range of chronic conditions. We are just one part of what should ideally be a supportive, well-rounded healthcare team for individuals and our partners.
Here are some other practices that help with managing chronic conditions.
Medication management and adherence. Patients living with a chronic condition may need one medication or multiple medications. Regardless, medication adherence and management are essential for optimal health. Statistics indicate that a lapse in medication adherence can account for up to 50% of treatment failure. Partners looking for solutions for medication adherence can explore the different types of compliance packaging we have available at UnitedRx, which may help.
Involvement and activities. Individuals can choose to make lifestyle changes and they can also choose not to. At long-term care facilities, lifestyle changes may need to be presented in different, more creative ways to entice the most stubborn of the bunch, or those with limited mobility or physical limitations, to participate. Even small changes can make a big difference, particularly when it comes to managing chronic conditions.
Track progress. Monitoring and tracking the progress of a patient’s condition and his or her lifestyle changes is essential to understanding what is working and what isn’t. That monitoring may lead to medication changes, may inspire additional lifestyle adjustments or may signal that everything is right on track. Either way, it’s nice to know where patients are at as it relates to medication efficacy, pain management and healthy living.
Mental and emotional health. Depression is one of the most common chronic conditions in long-term care facilities and it may present in conjunction with another chronic condition. It’s not only important to monitor the mental and emotional health of patients in long-term care facilities, but it’s also vital to create an uplifting and positive environment for those living with chronic conditions and potentially dealing with daily pain or physical limitations because of them.
By working with a trusted long-term care pharmacy partner, like UnitedRx, facilities providing care are kept aware of and have access to the latest medications available in addition to low-cost alternatives. Treatments like Humira for rheumatoid arthritis and Skyrizi for psoriasis weren’t always available, and new treatments become available for chronic conditions all the time. A trusted partner keeps facilities “in the know” while also providing expert consult on the benefits that may be experienced by switching to a different treatment.
Is your long-term care facility looking for more support when it comes to managing chronic conditions? Reach out to our team. We’d love to discuss the solutions we can offer!
At UnitedRx, we deliver a hometown pharmacy experience to more than 400 clients across the country. Contact us to learn more about how our approach to treatment can meet the pharmacy needs of your long-term care facility.