Aging and Disability Network of Saratoga County Meeting Minutes 10/11/16

Aging and Disability Network of Saratoga County Meeting Minutes 10/11/16

Present: Jennifer Baldwin (Saratoga Hospital), Elizabeth Leggett (Saratoga Hospital), Tena Bunnell (Home Helpers), Whitney Jobmann (SAIL), Katiria Romero (VNSNY Choices), Chris Camburn (Family Self-Sufficiency Program), Maria Geizer (Home Instead Senior Care), Ben Nichols (Saratoga County OFA), Patrick Harrington (Saratoga County OFA), Connie Weaver (Saratoga County OFA), Emma Schmitt (Saratoga County OFA), Caitlin St. George (Eddy VNA), Mary Rickard (Saratoga County OFA), Cindy Harrington (Shelters of Saratoga), Jess Flynn (Eddy DayBreak), Jay Rodriguez (Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga Springs).

Attendees introduced themselves and announcements were made. The next meeting of the Aging and Disability Network will take place on November 8th from 2-330pm at St. Edward's Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park. Our own Mary Rickard will be presenting an overview of the Office for the Aging of Saratoga County.

Today's Topic and presenter: The Community Based Sepsis Awareness Initiative, presented by Eve Bankert, quality Improvement Specialist for IPRO.

What is sepsis? It is a complication caused by the body's overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

Sepsis is difficult to diagnose because it happens quickly and can be confused with other conditions.

Sepsis is a medical emergency and is DEADLY when its' not quickly recognized and treated.

What are the signs and symptoms of Sepsis?

Sepsis is a bad outcome of an infection. There is not single sign or symptom, but rather a combination of symptom. Symptoms can include the following INFECTION symptoms:

*Fever, chills or sweat
*Redness, soreness or swelling in any area including surgical wounds
*Diarrhea and/or vomiting
*sore throat
*New sore in the mouth
*Shortness of breath
*Stiff neck
*unusual vaginal discharge or irritation
*New onset of pain
*Changes in skin, urination or mental status

Symptoms of SEPSIS can include any of the above infection symptoms, plus:

S- Shivering, fever or very cold
E- Extreme pain or general discomfort ("worst ever")
P- Pale or discolored skin
S- Sleepy, difficult to wake up, confused
I- "I feel like I might die"
S- Short of breath

What causes Sepsis?
Any type of infection that is anywhere in your body can cause sepsis, including infections of the skin, lungs, urinary tract, abdomen or other parts of the body.

What are the different types of sepsis?
Many MDs view sepsis as a three-stage syndrome.

*Sepsis causes fever, rapid heart rate/breathing and an increased white blood cell count. If you have an infection, even a minor sign or symptom can indicate sepsis and you should seek medical treatment immediately.
*Severe Sepsis is when there are also signs and symptoms which indicate an organ may be failing. Immediate hospital treatment is required.
*Septic Shock is when you have severe sepsis, plus extremely low blood pressure that doesn't respond to fluid replacement. Immediate hospital treatment is required.

Are certain people more likely to get sepsis?
Anyone can develop sepsis from an infection, especially when not treated properly. However, sepsis most often occurs in people aged 65 or older, or less than 1 year, have weakened immune systems or have chronic medical conditions.

How is sepsis treated?
People with sepsis are usually treated at the hospital. Doctors try to treat the infection, keep the vital organs working and prevent a drop in blood pressure. Antibiotics, oxygen and IV fluids also play a role.

Are there any long term effects?
Some people may experience permanent organ damage, but many recover completely.

Preventing Sepsis-

-Get vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia and other infections.
-Prevent infections that can lead to sepsis by cleaning scrapes and wounds and practicing good hygiene.
-Learn the signs and symptoms of sepsis.

Sepsis deaths are preventable! It is one of the most under recognized and misunderstood conditions. Early recognition improves survival rates and avoids complications due to sepsis.

For more info about this initiative to increase awareness in both the medical community and general public, contact Eve Bankert at eve.bankert@area-i.hcqis.org or call 320-3552.