Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 700,000 lives annually. Among older adults, the impact is particularly profound. Each year, over 800,000 people experience a heart attack, with individuals aged 65 and older making up the majority of cases. Recovery and ongoing management of heart disease require a comprehensive approach to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.
While medical interventions are critical, home care following a heart attack or for managing heart disease is equally important. Home care services provide essential support to help individuals recover safely, avoid hospital re-admissions, and regain their independence. In fact, more than 25% of heart failure patients return to the hospital within 30 days due to poor nutrition, medical oversight, and mobility limitations.
Home care offers tailored assistance to meet the unique needs of individuals with heart conditions, focusing on both physical health and emotional well-being. Caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults with heart issues:
- Monitoring Symptoms and Recovery Progress: Caregivers can monitor for warning signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling, and alert healthcare providers to address issues promptly.
- Medication Reminders: Heart disease often requires complex medication regimens. Caregivers can offer reminders to help ensure medications are taken correctly and on time, reducing the risk of complications from missed doses.
- Nutritional Support: A heart-healthy diet is essential for managing heart disease. Caregivers can prepare meals aligned with dietary restrictions, such as low-sodium or low-fat diets, and encourage hydration to promote cardiovascular health.
- Assistance with Daily Activities: After a heart attack, fatigue and physical limitations can make tasks like bathing, dressing or cooking challenging. Caregivers provide the necessary support to reduce stress and allow for focused recovery.
- Encouraging Gentle Exercise and Rest: Balancing light physical activity with rest is vital for recovery. Caregivers can support light exercises recommended by healthcare providers, helping to improve mobility and overall heart health.
- Emotional Support and Companionship: Dealing with heart disease or recovering from a heart attack can be overwhelming. Caregivers offer emotional reassurance and companionship, reducing stress and feelings of isolation.
At Family & Nursing Care, we specialize in providing compassionate, personalized care for older adults managing heart disease or recovering from a heart attack. Our network of experienced caregivers is trained to deliver services designed to support recovery and long-term heart health, including:
- Symptom Monitoring: Tracking vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and helping identify any changes in condition early. Clients can also access one of Family & Nursing Care Select’s nurses to help prevent return trips to the hospital by identifying and reporting red flag symptoms before they escalate to a crisis level.
- Dietary Assistance: Preparing heart-healthy meals in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
- Transportation and Mobility Support: Providing assistance with getting to medical appointments and maintaining safe mobility at home or in the community.
Family & Nursing Care is committed to helping older adults live independently and safely while managing heart disease. We offer flexible home care solutions, ranging from a few hours a day to 24/7 assistance, to meet each client’s unique needs. With our network of highly skilled caregivers, clients can receive the compassionate support they need to thrive at home.
To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s heart disease and heart attack recovery services, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our Home Care and Heart Attack/Disease webpage.
800-588-0517
