How Brookdale Helps Manage the Top 10 Chronic Conditions for Seniors

10. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death by disease in this country. Older adults with COPD face an even greater risk of developing complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which is why day-to-day monitoring helps prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and helps maintain your patient’s stability. At Brookdale, we offer daily assistance for individuals with conditions such as COPD, which may include oxygen administration, nebulizer treatments, and coordination of equipment delivery such as oxygen tanks and nebulizer supplies.

9. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. But patients need more than just memory care.  They need a community that offers them a sense of belonging and acceptance every step of the way. The Clare Bridge® program implements evidence-based behavioral interventions according to residents’ clinical and psychosocial needs, while the Clare Bridge Solace program provides further comfort for those entering more-advanced stages of dementia. We also offer resources to help caregivers cope with a loved one’s dementia diagnosis. And for patients and families contemplating long-term care, our experts can help clinicians have the conversation when it's time to make the transition.

8. Depression

Many seniors live by themselves and far away from family members. These factors can contribute to higher rates of loneliness and depression. It’s worth considering the ways community can boost a patient’s mental health, which can help improve outcomes with other chronic conditions. Brookdale residents can stay socially connected with one another. Between regular outings, fitness classes, art workshops, hobbies and devotional services, residents enjoy activities that not only help boost their spirits, but can also help improve conditions like depression. Our associates also take the time to get to know residents one-on-one and build activities around what is most interesting to them.

7. Heart Failure

Heart failure is the most common reason seniors are admitted to the hospital. And for many, living at home just isn’t enough to provide the care they need. Our trained clinical staff remain alert for symptoms of heart failure, including heart arrhythmias, undue swelling, irregular veins and lung congestion. We maintain and track medication administration through electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) software, and our preferred partnerships with pharmacies help prevent polypharmacy for those on multiple medications.

6. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

It’s estimated that 38% of individuals in the United States age 65 years or older are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Residents of Brookdale receive a consistent level of care from trained staff amidst their changing health needs. For those residents with CKD, that means staying mindful of their dietary restrictions, administering the appropriate medications, and staying alert for signs of dehydration, incontinence and UTIs. Some of our communities even offer on-site dialysis.

5. Diabetes

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, more than 26% of older adults were living with diabetes in 2018. Like many chronic conditions, diabetes may be able to be managed through healthier lifestyle changes. We provide healthy menu options to help residents with diabetes manage their carbohydrate, sugar and calorie intake. With our Guiltless Pleasures options, residents with diabetes can still indulge in moderation without too much sugar. Additionally, we can assist in monitoring HgbA1C levels, assist with insulin and other medication management and offer exercise programs to aid in weight loss.

4. Ischemic/Coronary Heart Disease

As adults age, heart health becomes even more important. Brookdale helps residents with coronary heart disease ease into the lifestyle changes necessary to help mitigate further complications of heart disease, such as heart failure. Whether residents need guidance with consuming heart-healthy foods, being reminded to take their blood pressure medications or getting started with an exercise routine, our Optimum Life® program can help lower cholesterol, control blood pressure and manage diabetes — all of which help treat heart disease.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis affects nearly half of U.S. adults age 65 years or older. Communities like Brookdale can be instrumental in helping residents manage bone and joint disease. Because falls are common among individuals with arthritis, our Falls Management program helps assess a resident’s fall risk as we monitor mobility and safety factors. Residents with arthritis can reap the benefits of exercise in a monitored setting through the B-Fit exercise program, which provides eight different class options that walk residents through exercises to help get their joints moving in a way that’s manageable for them.

2. High Cholesterol

At Brookdale, we aim to meet residents’ needs wherever they are along their health journey. Some residents may be trying to lower their cholesterol by taking statins as part of their treatment plan. We coordinate care with residents’ care teams to help monitor that residents aren’t receiving more or less medication than they need. We also help keep clinicians informed of any condition changes through our Electronic Health Records system (PointClickCare®).

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

As you know, high blood pressure is referred to as “the silent killer.” That’s because symptoms of hypertension often go unnoticed at home. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and vascular dementia. That’s the benefit of having clinical staff to aid in the management of high blood pressure and co-occurring conditions. Our multidisciplinary care teams serve as an extra set of eyes — and hands — in helping to improve residents’ health and well-being.

At Brookdale, we aim for better outcomes and fewer readmissions for residents with chronic conditions. Add a partner to your chronic conditions care team, and recommend a Brookdale community today.