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Living At Home When
Heart Conditions Exist
By
Libet Callahan |
 Rockland
- The Heart Failure Society of America calls heart
failure “the silent epidemic,” because many people have the
condition and don’t know it. Heart failure occurs when the
heart is weakened and cannot pump enough blood for the
body’s needs. This results in a backup of fluid throughout
the body. Heart failure can be caused by previous damage to
the heart muscle or valves, by high blood pressure, by
infection, or by a combination of causes.
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) include shortness
of breath, swelling of feet, ankles and abdomen, fatigue,
coughing and raspy breathing and confusion.
Medical Treatment
Occasionally CHF can be cured, if the condition is
caused by an underlying heart defect that can be corrected
with surgery. However, most cases cannot be cured. But
medical treatment and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms
and prevent further loss of heart function.
Medical treatments include surgery, medications,
supplemental oxygen and careful management of underlying
conditions.
Lifestyle choices and following the healthcare provider’s
instructions can prevent worsening of the condition. For
example, it’s important to avoid smoking, excess
cholesterol, obesity, alcohol abuse, inactivity, excess
fluid intake and stress.
Home Care Can Help
Most CHF patients prefer to live at home if possible.
But patients and their loved ones know that living at home
with the condition presents a special set of challenges.
Assuring that the right care plan is followed is important.
And sometimes taking care of home and personal needs can be
taxing. Home care can help. A qualified caregiver can:
• Supervise overall care on a regular basis.
• Provide assistance with the activities of daily living,
such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry.
• Do errands such as grocery shopping.
• Assist with personal care.
For loved ones, knowing a qualified caregiver is with their
family member when they themselves can't be is a great peace
of mind. Family are reassured that their senior relative is
being well cared for and that help is at hand while they are
at work or during other activities. |
About The Author
Libet Callahan RN, BSN is the President and Owner of
Right at Home Homecare in Rockland and serves families
throughout the South Shore. Right at Home provides
companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable
seniors and others to remain in the comfort of their own
home for as long as possible. Libet is a graduate of
Columbia University School of Nursing and has worked in
community nursing on the South Shore for many years. Libet
may be reached at (781) 681-3545 or email at libet@rah-southshore.com.
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