Managerial Roles in Home Health Care and Assisted Living

My managerial career in health care encompasses both home health care services and assisted living. With over 800,000 Americans residing in assisted living facilities and a larger number receiving homecare, home health care services emerge as critical stakeholders in the contemporary health care system. These services prioritize senior wellness, encompassing intellectual stimulation, socialization, and personal health. As a manager in home health care and assisted living, my responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, approving dietary plans, participating in budget discussions, and fostering a positive living environment for those under our care (Fikar & Hirsch, 2017).

Impact of Dementia on Home Health Care Services

Home health care services cater to a wide array of patient needs, from nursing care to physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, one condition significantly impacting this stakeholder group is dementia, a chronic cognitive disorder characterized by memory impairment, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease stands out as the leading cause of progressive dementia in older adults, although various factors can contribute to its onset (Stokes et al., 2020).

Dementia: A Growing Concern

Dementia poses significant challenges to both individuals and health care systems. In the United States, more than 6 million individuals live with Alzheimer’s, with projections estimating a staggering increase to almost 13 million by 2050. Moreover, Alzheimer’s and other dementias claim a substantial toll, with one in three seniors succumbing to these conditions, surpassing the combined mortality rates of breast and prostate cancer (Stokes et al., 2020).

Similarly, the United Kingdom grapples with a rising prevalence of dementia, with estimates projecting over 2 million affected individuals by 2051. The socioeconomic burden is considerable, with dementia and memory problems accounting for 80% of individuals in care homes. Moreover, comorbidities exacerbate the situation, with 92% of dementia patients in the UK experiencing at least one other health condition (Jackson et al., 2017).

Cross-Country Disparities in Dementia

Notably, differences exist between the United States and the United Kingdom regarding dementia prevalence and outcomes. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, significantly contribute to Alzheimer’s risk. The prevalence of these factors, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and untreated depression, is higher in the US, potentially explaining the higher incidence of dementia compared to the UK (Rathod-Mistry et al., 2021).

Addressing Dementia Challenges in Home Health Care

Home health care services play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by dementia. Employee education and training on dementia care are paramount, equipping caregivers with necessary skills to manage symptoms effectively. Collaboration with researchers fosters a deeper understanding of the condition, while community education initiatives enhance awareness and support networks for affected individuals and their families.

References

Fikar, C., & Hirsch, P. (2017). Home health care routing and scheduling: A review. Computers & Operations Research, 77, 86-95.

Jackson, G. A., Newbronner, L., Chamberlain, R., Borthwick, R., Yardley, C., & Boyle, K. (2017). Caring for people with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s dementia in UK care homes–A mixed methods study. European Geriatric Medicine, 8(2), 146-152.

BUS FPX 3026 Assessment 4 Health Care Stakeholders and Related Disease Indicators

Rathod‐Mistry, T., Marshall, M., Campbell, P., Bailey, J., Chew‐Graham, C. A., Croft, P., … & Jordan, K. P. (2021). Indicators of dementia disease progression in primary care: An electronic health record cohort study. European Journal of Neurology, 28(5), 1499-1510.

Stokes, A. C., Weiss, J., Lundberg, D. J., Xie, W., Kim, J. K., Preston, S. H., & Crimmins, E. M. (2020). Estimates of the Association of Dementia With US Mortality Levels Using Linked Survey and Mortality Records. JAMA neurology, 77(12), 1543-1550.

BUS FPX 3026 Assessment 4 Health Care Stakeholders and Related Disease Indicators