How McKendree Supports Residents with Chronic Conditions

January 2, 2025

Enhancing Care and Support for Chronic Conditions at McKendree

How McKendree Supports Residents with Chronic Conditions

Introduction

Understanding chronic conditions and providing effective support systems are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents experiencing these challenges. McKendree University and McKendree Village are at the forefront of these efforts, utilizing strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and comprehensive resources to aid those living with chronic health issues. This article explores how McKendree supports residents with chronic conditions through various initiatives, services, and educational opportunities.

24/7 Mental Health Support via TimelyCare

Access 24/7 Mental Health Support with TimelyCare!

Mental health support availability

McKendree University recognizes the significance of student mental health and has partnered with TimelyCare, providing students with 24/7 access to mental health support and basic needs assistance. This initiative, which started on October 1, 2024, allows students to seek help whenever they need it—be it day or night.

Partnership with TimelyCare

Through this collaboration, enrolled McKendree students can utilize a range of virtual care options. Licensed counselors across all 50 states are available to offer on-demand mental health support. This service is offered at no cost to the students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to necessary care.

Virtual care options

TimelyCare provides various methods for students to engage with mental health professionals, including:

Mental health counseling: Immediate support for emotional distress and mental well-being.
Health coaching: Guidance towards healthy lifestyle choices and habits.
Care navigation: Assistance in accessing needed health resources.

This platform not only enhances student engagement but also addresses critical mental health concerns. A report from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation revealed that 69% of students contemplating leaving school cited emotional stress as a major reason, underscoring the need for timely mental health resources.

Managing chronic conditions

Individuals can manage living with chronic conditions effectively by following prescribed treatment plans, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet. Programs that focus on self-management education can greatly assist in this process, helping individuals adopt healthier habits and manage their symptoms. Support systems, whether from educational institutions or community resources, are vital for fostering better health outcomes and enhancing overall well-being.

Comprehensive Disability Services at McKendree

Explore Comprehensive Disability Services at McKendree!

Disability Services

McKendree University provides robust Disability Services to ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities. This program advocates for self-advocacy and independence, enabling students to navigate their academic experiences effectively. The team is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities, addressing their unique needs, and fostering a welcoming environment.

Accessibility in Education

The Accessibility Committee is instrumental in helping students gain access to necessary accommodations. Students must self-report their disabilities to designated staff, accompanied by documentation from certified medical providers. This process is designed to determine eligibility for services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Accommodation Process

Once eligibility is established, students receive accommodation letters detailing approved services and facilities. This ensures confidentiality and provides clarity on the support available. For housing accommodations, requests must be submitted with relevant documentation for evaluation. This structured approach allows McKendree to meet individual needs and enhance the academic experience for all students.

Component	Details	Purpose
Disability Services	Self-advocacy support and guidance	Empower students with disabilities
Accessibility Committee	Evaluates accommodation requests	Ensures compliance with ADA and provides needed support
Accommodation Letters	Specified support details	Clarifies available services for eligible students

Integrating Home Health with Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Partnership with healthcare organizations

McKendree Village Inc. has initiated a crucial partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to bolster services for senior adults in Middle Tennessee. This collaboration aims to provide tailored support for residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions. By combining resources and expertise from both organizations, the partnership strives for improved health outcomes for the elderly community.

Home health services integration

The agreement involves integrating home health services, meaning that individuals with chronic conditions will receive more seamless and coordinated care. This includes comprehensive management strategies that directly benefit residents. By ensuring continuity of care, the partnership aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors who often struggle with complex health needs due to chronic illnesses.

Geriatric care

As part of this initiative, a new center for geriatric medicine is on the horizon at McKendree's Hermitage site. This facility will provide specialized care focusing on the unique health challenges faced by elderly residents, particularly those with chronic conditions.

The significance of this partnership is underscored by the statistics on chronic conditions in older adults. In the United States, approximately 85% of Americans aged 65 and older have at least one chronic health issue, while 60% contend with two or more. The integration of home health services not only addresses the immediate health concerns of these residents but also helps in the prevention of further health decline.

Aspect	Details
Partnership focus	Enhancing services for senior adults with chronic conditions
Estimated chronic condition prevalence	85% of elderly Americans have one or more chronic health issues; 60% have two or more
New initiatives	Establishing a geriatric medicine center at McKendree's Hermitage site
Goal	Continuity of care and better management for elderly residents with chronic conditions

Developing Future Healthcare Leaders for Chronic Disease Management

Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders through Education!

Population Health Track for MSN Students

McKendree University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers a Population Health track specifically designed to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare. This program emphasizes collaboration with local health departments, hospitals, and patients to effectively prevent illness and manage chronic diseases.

Chronic Disease Management Education

The curriculum incorporates evidence-based practices, ensuring students are equipped with the latest health concepts recognized by healthcare organizations. This education is critical, as it instills knowledge in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Collaborations with Healthcare Organizations

In addition to academic instruction, McKendree actively collaborates with various healthcare organizations, securing grants to tackle health issues in rural populations. The hands-on experience students gain through scholarly projects is vital to implementing population health improvements. They learn to apply their skills in real-world settings, which not only enhances their learning but also supports community health initiatives.

Aspect	Details	Benefits
Population Health Track	Prepares MSN students for leadership roles	Enhances ability to manage chronic diseases
Evidence-Based Practices	Curriculum includes the latest healthcare trends	Informs effective health management strategies
Community Collaborations	Works with local health organizations	Improves health outcomes in rural populations
Scholarly Projects	Real-world application of learned skills	Contributes to effective population health care
Focus on Chronic Diseases	Addresses common conditions impacting mobility	Educates on prevention of fall risks

By fostering these educational pathways and collaborations, McKendree University is playing a crucial role in developing future healthcare leaders capable of addressing chronic disease management.

Health Promotion and Fall Prevention Programs

Join Health Promotion & Fall Prevention Programs Today!

Programs Targeting Chronic Conditions

Health promotion programs have become increasingly important, especially for those managing chronic conditions. Chronic diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes can severely impact physical activity, increasing the fall risk among affected individuals.

Falls Prevention

Statistics show that over 67% of participants in falls prevention programs have multiple chronic conditions. Those with arthritis, for example, are 2.5 times more likely to experience falls than those without such conditions. This stark reality underscores the need for targeted interventions in this area.

Chronic Disease Self-Management

Programs like Chronic Disease Self-Management empower individuals, encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles through physical activity. By learning to manage their conditions effectively, participants not only enhance their well-being but also significantly reduce the likelihood of falls.

Employing evidence-based practices, these programs promote vital lifestyle adjustments and exercises tailored for those living with chronic conditions, illustrating the crucial connection between health management and fall prevention.

Access to Evidence-Based Support Initiatives

Support programs for chronic health issues

McKendree University emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic health issues through various evidence-based support initiatives. Programs like Chronic Disease Self-Management and Walk With Ease empower individuals to take control of their health. These initiatives are designed to help participants manage conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, significantly reducing the risk of falls associated with these chronic ailments.

Physical activity and lifestyle adjustments

Implementing physical activities and lifestyle changes plays a pivotal role in managing chronic conditions. Research suggests that over 67% of falls prevention program participants have multiple chronic conditions. Notably, individuals with arthritis are 2.5 times more likely to experience falls compared to their peers without this condition. Programs focusing on physical exercise and lifestyle modifications reinforce healthier habits, ultimately decreasing fall risk and improving overall health in participants.

Community Engagement and Support Mechanisms

Engage with Community Support Initiatives at McKendree!

Community resources at McKendree

McKendree University prioritizes community well-being through various support systems. One significant resource is the partnership with TimelyCare, which provides 24/7 access to virtual mental health support for students, helping them manage emotional stress. With licensed counselors available nationwide, students can address their well-being without the limitations of traditional office hours.

Collaborations with local organizations

In addition to mental health support, McKendree actively engages with organizations like Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This collaboration enhances care for senior residents, especially those with chronic conditions. The integration of home health services signifies a commitment to comprehensive health management.

Support systems for chronic conditions

Furthermore, the university’s Population Health track prepares nursing students to address chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes through partnerships with local health departments. Evidence-based programs, such as Chronic Disease Self-Management, empower community members to adopt healthier lifestyles, reducing fall risks associated with chronic ailments.

Support System	Type of Care	Target Group
TimelyCare	Mental health support and counseling	McKendree students
Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Chronic condition management and home health services	Senior residents at McKendree Village
Population Health track	Chronic disease management training	Nursing students

Conclusion

McKendree University and McKendree Village demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting individuals with chronic conditions through comprehensive programs, strategic partnerships, and a focus on mental and physical health. By providing robust educational opportunities, advocating for accessibility, and fostering community collaborations, McKendree is aiding residents to effectively manage their chronic health issues and improve their overall well-being.