5 Reasons to Educate Residents About Their Illnesses (LTL mag online)
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online:
5 reasons to educate residents about their illnesses
“How long have you had Parkinson’s?” the psychologist asked Mr. Jones during his initial evaluation.
“They just told me the diagnosis when I got here last week, but I suppose I’ve had it for a while.” He said it casually, but his hands were clenched and his voice held a note of tension.
“Did the doctor explain what it is or give you information about the Parkinson’s Foundation?”
“No. All I know is that it’s the same disease that young actor has—what’s his name?”
“Michael J. Fox.”
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
The psychologist assured the resident she’d bring him a pamphlet from the Parkinson’s Foundation the following week. It would work better, she thought to herself, if the medical staff provided the physical health information so she could follow up with the mental health aspects.
Residents often enter long-term care with surprisingly little knowledge about their conditions, whether they have a recent diagnosis or have been living with an illness for many years. This lack of information isn’t good for residents, families or facility staff.
Here are five reasons why we should teach our residents about the illnesses they live with:
1. Education leads to more active resident involvement in care.
When residents have information about their illnesses, they are more able to accurately report their symptoms to the medical team and to provide the type of information that improves treatment. A resident without knowledge is a passive recipient of medication and care; a resident with knowledge can partner with his or her medical team to address needs and find effective solutions. Joan, for instance, had multiple sclerosis and was keenly aware that the hot summer made it difficult for her to walk in rehab. She was able to work with her therapist to find more manageable activities so that she could continue with her rehab program during the summer months. Contrast this with Leon, who blamed himself for his MS symptoms, believed his difficulty walking was a personal failure, and was referred for psychotherapy when he stopped attending rehab. With encouragement and some psychoeducation about his illness, Leon was literally able to get back on his feet again.
2. Knowledge increases compliance.
Uneducated individuals are less likely to comply with treatment recommendations or may reject medications due to side effects without fully considering potential benefits. Individuals who understand why particular medications are given and how to cope with potential side effects are more likely to comply with treatment. They’re also more likely to have reasonable, informed objections for foregoing a particular course of treatment—reasons that can be readily understood and documented. For example, Lucille was initially resistant to the dialysis treatments that were recommended for her. Once she gathered information and spoke to some other residents in the dialysis program, she ultimately decided that its life-saving benefits were worth the time and discomfort of the treatments. Thomas, on the other hand, decided against dialysis and was able to explain and document his end-of-life wishes clearly, based on his knowledge of his illness.