March is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, and at Orion Homes, we believe that education and awareness about TBIs are critical to improving outcomes for individuals who experience this type of injury. TBIs can have a significant long-term impact on an individual's physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and it's essential to understand the full spectrum of recovery, including the emotional toll of these injuries.
February Donation Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity
Empowering Patients: How Health Literacy Enhances Behavioral Health Outcomes
By Brandon Dow, CEO
As the CEO of Orion Homes, an award-winning behavioral health residential facility in Arizona, I am passionate about promoting health literacy and empowering those we serve. Health literacy, or the ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions, is a crucial aspect of behavioral health care that significantly impacts resident outcomes.
At Orion Homes, we believe that informed residents are empowered residents. When residents have access to accurate and understandable health information, they are better equipped to actively participate in their treatment plans, make informed decisions about their care, and achieve positive behavioral health outcomes.
So, why is health literacy so important in behavioral health care? Let's explore some key reasons:
Promotes Treatment Adherence: Health literacy plays a vital role in ensuring patients understand the importance of following their prescribed treatment plans. Patients who can comprehend instructions, medication labels, and treatment options are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, which can lead to better symptom management and overall recovery.
Enhances Shared Decision Making: In behavioral health care, shared decision making between patients and providers is crucial. When patients understand their condition, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits, they can actively participate in decision making. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and engagement in their care, leading to more effective treatment choices.
Supports Self-Advocacy: Health literacy empowers patients to advocate for themselves and communicate their needs effectively. It enables patients to ask questions, express concerns, and actively engage in discussions with their healthcare providers. Patients who are health literate are more likely to assert their rights and preferences, leading to more patient-centered care.
Reduces Stigma and Promotes Mental Health Awareness: Health literacy helps to dispel misconceptions and reduce stigma associated with behavioral health conditions. Educated patients can better understand the nature of mental health conditions, challenge stigmatizing beliefs, and seek appropriate care without fear or shame. Health literacy also promotes mental health awareness in the community, encouraging individuals to seek help early and proactively manage their behavioral health.
Improves Health Outcomes: Studies have shown that patients with higher health literacy levels have better health outcomes, including improved medication management, reduced hospitalizations, and increased self-care skills. Health literacy is a key factor in facilitating patients' ability to navigate the healthcare system, understand health information, and make informed choices for their well-being.
At Orion Homes, we are committed to promoting health literacy among our residents through various initiatives. We provide resident materials in plain language, offer one-on-one counseling sessions to ensure comprehension of treatment plans, and actively engage in shared decision making with residents and their families. We also collaborate with community partners to raise awareness about mental health and combat stigma.
Behavioral health care providers play a crucial role in helping patients and their families understand their condition, treatment options, and self-care strategies. Here are five ways you can promote increased health literacy among SMI adults and their families:
Use Plain Language and Visual Aids: Avoid jargon and use plain language when communicating with patients and their families. Use visual aids such as diagrams, pictures, and videos to simplify complex concepts and reinforce key information. This approach can help improve comprehension and empower patients and their families to actively participate in their care.
Provide Written Materials: Provide written materials in plain language that patients and their families can take home and review at their own pace. These materials can include brochures, handouts, and fact sheets that provide information about the condition, treatment options, medication management, and self-care strategies. Make sure the materials are culturally appropriate and available in different languages as needed.
Encourage Questions and Provide Clarifications: Create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarifications. Encourage them to express their concerns and provide explanations in simple terms. Listen actively and provide clear and concise answers to ensure that patients and their families understand the information being conveyed.
Offer Education and Skill-Building Sessions: Conduct education and skill-building sessions for patients and their families on topics related to behavioral health, including symptom management, coping skills, communication strategies, and self-advocacy. Use interactive and engaging methods such as role-playing, group discussions, and interactive workshops to facilitate learning and skill development.
Collaborate with Interdisciplinary Team: Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure consistent and coordinated health literacy efforts. Share information, resources, and best practices among team members to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care.
At Orion Homes, we believe that promoting health literacy is an ongoing effort that requires collaboration and commitment from healthcare providers, patients, and their families. By implementing these strategies, we can empower adults with SMI and their families to become active participants in their care, leading to better outcomes and improved overall well-being.
Health literacy is a powerful tool in behavioral health care that empowers patients to take control of their health and well-being. It enhances treatment adherence, supports shared decision making, promotes self-advocacy, reduces stigma, and improves health outcomes. As we celebrate Health Literacy Month, let us continue to prioritize health literacy as an essential aspect of quality behavioral health care, and work together to empower our residents for better outcomes.
Thank you for joining us in our mission to promote health literacy and empower our residents at Orion Homes. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our approach to behavioral health care, please feel free to contact us. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the organization or its employees. The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychiatric condition. The author and the organization will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information, nor for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. The author and the organization make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this blog. Additionally, the content of this blog may be subject to change without notice and should not be relied upon as the most current information on the subject matter.
Orion Homes: Recognized as 2022 Top Workplace in Arizona!
By Brandon Dow, CEO
It’s official! We are thrilled to announce that Orion Homes has been recognized as a 2022 Top Workplace by Energage and AZCentral for the second year in a row! As the only long-term residential care facility to receive this prestigious award in either year, this recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing top-notch behavioral health care to our residents while also fostering a positive and supportive work environment for our employees.
At Orion Homes, we value our employees as the backbone of our organization. We are dedicated to creating a culture that empowers our team members to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. By fostering a happy and engaged workforce, we ensure that our residents receive the best possible care and outcomes.
Energage, a leading provider of employee engagement and workplace improvement solutions, conducts an annual survey of organizations across Arizona to identify the top workplaces based on feedback from employees. The survey measures various aspects of workplace culture, including employee engagement, leadership, training, benefits, communication, and employee well-being. We are thrilled to have been recognized as a Top Workplace based on the feedback provided by our own employees.
We are incredibly grateful to AZCentral for this recognition, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our team members who go above and beyond every day to ensure that our vulnerable residents receive the highest level of care possible at our 15 locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and Glendale.
As the CEO of Orion Homes, I am immensely proud of our team and the culture we have built within our organization. Our employees truly are the heart and soul of our success, and this recognition as the 2022 Top Workplace is a reflection of their unwavering dedication and commitment to our mission of providing compassionate care to those most in need in our community.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our team members for their exceptional work and commitment to our residents, as well as to Energage and AZCentral for this incredible honor. We are honored to be recognized as the 2022 Top Workplace and will continue to strive for excellence in our workplace culture and the care we provide to our residents. We look forward to continuing to serve our community with the highest level of care and dedication.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the organization or its employees. The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychiatric condition. The author and the organization will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information, nor for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. The author and the organization make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this blog. Additionally, the content of this blog may be subject to change without notice and should not be relied upon as the most current information on the subject matter.
Dispelling common myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia and psychosis
Today is National Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day – the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding these complex mental health conditions. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide, with an estimated 3.5 million people in the United States alone living with the condition. In Arizona, it is estimated that over 60,000 people have schizophrenia or another related disorder. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, they are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, making it challenging for individuals and families to seek the help they need. Let’s take this opportunity to educate ourselves about the reality of these conditions and promote understanding and support for those affected by them.
