Patient Safety Awareness Week in Facilities for Alzheimer’s
Medical errors and accidents within care facilities cause serious injuries and even death. Caring for patient’s safety and well-being is paramount, especially if they face the challenges that come with memory impairments. The Patient Safety Awareness Week reminds facilities for Alzheimer’s, caregivers, staff, and residents’ families to implement innovative strategies to create a supportive and safe environment for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
With these in mind, we join the community in celebrating Patient Awareness Week, promoting the best practices of care, and fostering Alzheimer’s facilities to benefit residents and their workforce.
What is Patient Safety Awareness Week?
Patient Safety Awareness Week is a worldwide annual in the healthcare community. This yearly event is focused on raising awareness about patient safety among healthcare professionals and promoting the best patient care practices.
Every March, different activities encourage everyone to learn about the importance of patient safety. The week-long event provides opportunities for healthcare organizations and professionals to assess their practices and identify areas for improvement.
Seminars, workshops, educational campaigns, and various programs are organized for healthcare professionals and families to participate in. These serve as opportunities for families and patients to raise concerns about patient care and safety.
With these avenues calling for open communication, organizations, healthcare workers, patients, and families can work together and develop strategies for continuous improvement, training, and learning for the overall benefit of the entire healthcare system.
Patience Safety Awareness Week is a yearly collaboration of healthcare organizations, workers, and the community that spreads awareness while continuously improving patient care.
Patient Safety Awareness Week in Facilities for Alzheimer’s
Like the rest of the healthcare system, facilities for Alzheimer’s patients face challenges. Due to the complexity of the condition, patients with Alzheimer’s have unique needs that need to be addressed. From changes in behavior to physical limitations and abilities, catering to their needs and safety can be quite a task.
And with Patient Safety Awareness Week fast approaching, it is best for memory care facilities to re-evaluate the following:
Medication Management
According to a recent national survey by the University of Chicago and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, one in five people experience medical errors in their care. Memory care facilities should employ trained staff and closely monitor medication administration to ensure safe administration.
Emergency Readiness
Facilities for Alzheimer’s must have contingency plans during medical emergencies, natural disasters, or outbreaks to ensure the safety of residents.
Anti-Wandering and Securit
Facilities for memory care patients should focus on incorporating safety measures like electronic monitoring, electronic tags, and anti-wandering systems. Patients with Alzheimer’s often show signs of confusion and an inability to recognize familiar faces.
Safety
People with Alzheimer’s are prone to wandering around the facility and to slip-and-fall accidents. Facilities for Alzheimer’s should incorporate design elements that are favorable for senior residents. Anti-slip floor materials, rails, bars, and staff supervision will ensure residents’ safety.
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