Heart failure is a severe condition where the heart is incapable of pumping adequate blood to the body. There might be insufficient blood to pump or the heart muscles may not be strong enough to pump enough for the entire body. The causative factors of heart failure could be high blood pressure, infections, heart attack, toxins, and inherited conditions. Managing heart failure requires meticulous attention to medical treatment and lifestyle. Significant changes may have to be adopted by individuals diagnosed with heart failure and may need skilled help to manage their health and perform daily tasks.
Providing palliative care for seniors with cardiac failure favours efficient condition management. Palliative care caters to the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of seniors. Caring for a heart failure patient requires the mind and time of different professionals such as doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation therapists.
Caring for a heart failure patient means one should be emotionally stable and acquire knowledge about the elder’s medical treatment. Irrespective of the type of heart failure (left or right, systolic or diastolic) the tips to provide better care are largely the same. The caretaker may have to plan several things like regular vitals checking, administering medications, and encouraging the seniors to eat healthy and move more.
The space below sheds light on points to consider while caring for a senior adult with heart failure.
Regular Assessment and Vitals Check
It is advisable to keep track of the seniors’ body weight every day. Even a small increase in weight means there is water retention in the body. An increase of more than three pounds in a day or five pounds in a week is an alarming signal to seek professional help. Signs of fluid retention or edema are swelling in the ankle, leg, or abdomen. Blood pressure is an important vital to be checked for seniors with heart failure. A high blood pressure could cause strain on the blood vessels thereby weakening the heart muscles.
Managing Medications
Understanding the timing and purpose of the drugs prescribed for the elders can be very helpful. Helping the elders to organise the medicines and stock up before running out, is an effective way to manage medications. Along with the medicines for heart failure, most seniors may present with co-morbid conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney disease, or infections. Reminding the seniors to take their medicines on time can be very helpful in managing their health.
Encourage An Active Lifestyle
Exercise helps strengthen the heart muscles and is an important factor in the management of heart failure. Depending on the individual’s condition and symptoms exercise recommendations would have been provided by the cardiologist. The seniors should be explained the recommendation provided by the doctor and the importance of staying physically active to manage their heart health. For some seniors, rehabilitation programs pose to be a good call. Noticing signs such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain during exercise should be taken to the note of the doctor.
Monitor Dietary Intake
Being acquainted with the nutritional aspects of managing heart failure is crucial. Get a dietitian’s help to know the dietary recommendations and coordinate with them to develop a diet plan that suit’s your elder’s preferences and needs. Heart-healthy eating makes a significant difference in managing the condition and symptoms. In general, seniors with heart failure should be encouraged to limit their intake of salt, saturated fats, sugary foods, red meat, and cholesterol-containing foods. Low-fat dairy products, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean cuts of meat, whole grains, pulses, and legumes are some of the foods that can be included in their meals.
Fluid intake is a critical concern for heart failure patients. The capacity of kidneys to excrete sodium and water out of the body reduces. Hence, the doctor may advise limiting fluid intake to specific quantities per day. Strict adherence to this is advisable.
Symptom Monitoring
Elders may present with different symptoms such as leg pain, chest pain, weight gain, or shortness of breath. It is necessary to bring these symptoms to the doctor’s attention. Having a skilled nurse at home can be helpful in monitoring clinical symptoms like arrhythmia (irregular heart rate), increased blood pressure, etc. The caregiver and the family can discuss with the doctor the specific signs to watch for and tips to manage them.
Create a Sleep Schedule
Sound and refreshing sleep can go a long way in effectively managing health. Sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea is common among patients with heart failure. Helping seniors to follow a good sleep routine is vital to manage heart health and sleep apnea.
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, keeping the environment cool and dark, avoiding screen time before bed, and using special bed accessories to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea are some of the ways to promote good sleep.
Hear Them Out
When caring for a heart failure senior, apart from helping them with their condition management being compassionate with them and providing them emotional support is essential.
Seniors with heart failure may have many thoughts running and a lot to say. Spend some time listening to their thoughts and give them company. Assisting seniors to continue doing activities they enjoy can bring a positive mentality. Having good conversations with the seniors about their preferences, feelings, and wishes can go a long run in efficiently managing their health.
Seek Support Groups
Chronic health conditions like heart failure arrive with challenges to the patient, family, friends, and caregivers. Support groups are a great way to feel connected with the world by meeting people with similar conditions and preventing loneliness and isolation.
Providing support and care to seniors with heart failure claims for in-depth understanding and a sea of time. Seeking guidance and partnering with experts, caregivers, friends, and family members can carve the path to sound management of the senior’s health. Athulya’s Palliative Care team collaborates with the seniors and their families to design a unique care plan that best suits their health condition. We have been the game-changers in #caringforasenior with efficient and compassionate home palliative care services. To discover more information, check out our homepage Athulya Home Healthcare.
