Congestive Heart Failure Program

• What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

  Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. This condition leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen, legs, and other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and persistent coughing. CHF is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time if left untreated.

  Managing CHF requires a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle changes, medication management, dietary adjustments, and close monitoring of heart function. Our Congestive Heart Program is tailored to address the unique needs of rehabilitation guests and long-term care residents with CHF, with the goal of helping them manage their symptoms, avoid hospitalizations, and improve their overall well-being.

• How Does Ciena Healthcare’s Congestive Heart Program Differ From the Approach Used By Other Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Communities?

  We take a more nuanced and detail-oriented approach to the management of congestive heart failure.

  No two residents or guests with CHF are exactly alike. Their personal wellness, co-existing conditions, age, and lifestyle will influence not only CHF severity and rate of progression but also the ideal management plan.

  We combine vigilant, expert monitoring with proven therapies and lifestyle modification to develop an individualized congestive heart failure management plan. Every resident or guest receives attention and support from a team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and rehabilitation specialists.

Multidisciplinary Care Team

Our program brings together a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers who specialize in treating and managing congestive heart failure. This includes:

• Cardiologists: Experts in heart health who oversee treatment plans, monitor heart function, and adjust medications as needed.
• Registered Nurses: Trained professionals who provide hands-on care, monitor symptoms, and make sure residents follow prescribed treatment regimens.
• Dietitians: Nutritional specialists who work with residents to develop heart-healthy eating plans, focusing on reducing sodium intake, managing fluid retention, and maintaining optimal nutrition.
• Physical Therapists: Professionals who help residents and rehabilitation guests improve strength and endurance through safe exercise programs that support cardiovascular health.
• Social Workers and Case Managers: Coordinators who assist with managing appointments, medications, and any other resident or guest needs that may arise, ensuring a seamless continuity of care.

Comprehensive Monitoring and Management

Managing CHF requires constant monitoring of symptoms, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes. In addition to attentive monitoring, our care team also educates residents and rehabilitation guests on the signs of complications or CHF progression and helps them adopt techniques to manage the condition effectively.

Weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs are regularly tracked to detect changes early and prevent complications. We also have round-the-clock care in our rehabilitation, nursing, and assisted living communities to ensure assistance is available for emergencies.

Preventing Hospital Readmissions

A significant goal of our Congestive Heart Program is to reduce hospital readmissions, which can be a common and costly issue for people living with CHF. Our proactive approach to care includes:

• Frequent Check-ins: Regular monitoring and doctor visits to ensure each resident’s treatment plan is being followed and symptoms are under control.
• Medication Management: Adjustments to medications to help reduce the risk of worsening heart failure and prevent the need for emergency care.
• Resident Education: Providing resources and education to help residents recognize early signs of complications and take action before hospitalization is needed.