Heart failure management is not usually simple. Physically, many heart failure patients are frequently unable to perform the same duties they formerly could. Along with making lifestyle changes, they must also remember to take their prescriptions, pay greater attention to their bodies, and manage their stress. Caregiving assistance from spouses, families, friends, or neighbors can help heart failure patients manage their chronic illness.
A few tips to provide assistance to heart failure patients:
- Assistance with everyday tasks like preparation, procurement, and cooking of heart-healthy meals; encouraging proper calorie intake; keeping an eye on unusual weight loss
- Offer assistance through touching, listening, attentiveness, humor,
- Encourage walking, balancing exercises, and other activities appropriate for the stage of the condition.
- Visit the pharmacy to pick up prescribed drugs, make weekly tablet organizers, and handle refills and reorder reminders.
- Support and encourage smoking and alcohol cessation.
- Discuss the treatment plan with the medical staff, and speak up for the patient.
- Plan for treatment following hospital discharge and ensure continuity of care.
- Organize the timetable for routine medical appointments.
Reference:
- Kitko L, McIlvennan CK, Bidwell JT, et al. Family Caregiving for Individuals With Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020;141(22):e864-e878.