A Partnership to Prevent Sepsis

Sepsis Program

Sepsis Alliance and Elara Caring have embarked on a public-private collaboration to improve care, outcomes and early identification of patients with sepsis in the home care setting.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is the body’s life-threatening response to infection that affects 1.7 million people and takes an estimated 270,000 U.S. lives every year. The symptoms of sepsis include:

Temperature higher or lower than normal
Signs and symptoms of infection
Mental decline including confusion and difficulty to rouse
Extreme illness, severe pain or shortness of breath

Reducing the Risk of Sepsis

This program puts lifesaving protocols in place so that every Elara Caring team member and patient/caregiver knows how to identify sepsis and act immediately.

Components of the Program

Call Us First

We are just a phone call away 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If you have a question or concern we want you to call us for help. We are ready to listen, answer questions, give direction and take action whenever you need us.

Meet Sondra

Sondra is 74 years old and loves spending time with her family. She enjoys caring for her flower garden and hosting Sunday dinners. Earlier this year, she was hospitalized after her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suddenly got worse. She also developed pneumonia and had to spend several days in the ICU.

After she started to feel better, her doctor sent her home with in-home care to help her recover safely.

A nurse began visiting Sondra at home to help with her medications and teach her how to manage her condition. A physical therapist also worked with her to rebuild strength, improve balance and help her feel steady on her feet again.

How Skilled Home Health Helped Sondra

During one visit, Sondra’s daughter shared a concern. She said her mom didn’t seem like herself. Sondra felt very tired, warm to the touch and achy, like she might be getting sick.

Tori, her nurse, listened closely. She had special training through Sepsis Alliance to spot early signs of serious infection. When she checked Sondra, she noticed warning signs like fever, a fast heart rate, confusion and weakness.

Sondra didn’t want to go back to the hospital. But Tori explained that waiting too long to treat sepsis can be very dangerous. She called 911 right away.

Because of quick action, Sondra got the care she needed in time. She returned home again with in-home care to continue her recovery.

For patients like Sondra, in-home care plays an important role. It helps catch problems early, supports recovery and allows people to stay safe and comfortable at home.