Caregivers & Family

Care & Support Tips

While there are many personal rewards to caregiving, depression and feelings of isolation are also a reality for many caregivers. Less personal time and little help from others can leave even the best caregiver frustrated. The most important aspect of giving to others is to remember to take care of yourself.

As you encourage your loved one to follow a treatment plan and lead a healthier lifestyle, here are a few tips that can help make living with heart failure easier for both of you.

• Help your loved one stay connected
  Staying connected with friends and family members can help both you and your loved one maintain a hopeful outlook. Focusing on sharing life's simple pleasures can do wonders. Encourage your loved one to do something that they enjoy every day—it's good for the heart and the soul! Help them find reasons to leave the house and stay active in their community. This is also helpful for you as a caregiver, as it may spread the burden of support around, at least a little.
• Join a support group
  There are wonderful support groups and resources available for patients and caregivers. Ask your medical team about resources in your area. Hospitals, cardiology practices, eldercare facilities, cardiac rehabilitation facilities and even churches and libraries may have something to offer.
• Learn as much as you can about heart failure
  Knowledge is power and peace of mind. The more you know, the better you'll feel and the better equipped you'll be to help your loved one make informed treatment decisions. Ask the care team for additional education sources and seek books and materials at the local library, eldercare support facilities and health fairs.
• Plan for the future
  It's always a good idea for a person to have their personal affairs in order and their final wishes known. Working with your loved one on these matters can help provide peace of mind for both of you. Understand what measures they would like exercised in case of an emergency and what they would prefer to avoid. When your loved one is doing well and not suffering many heart failure symptoms, it is a good time to discuss necessary lifestyle changes, possible interventions that might become necessary in the future and get educated together. Considering options and learning and discussing them early is much easier and more effective than trying to make decisions in an emergency situation.
• Prepare for emergencies
  Keep the phone numbers for the patient's primary care physician and cardiologist by your telephone so you can contact them quickly if any symptoms change. If your loved one is ever in severe distress, call 911 immediately. Some people with advanced-stage heart failure may experience a sudden change in symptoms that requires emergency care. It's a good idea to have an overnight bag pre-packed in the event that they require sudden hospitalization.
• Talk it out
  Sometimes just talking with someone who cares is all it takes to shake off daily stress and frustration. Share your feelings with your loved one when appropriate, or other family members and friends. You don't have to face the challenges of caregiving alone. Caregiver support groups and counseling resources are available. Ask your medical team about local resources, or consult local libraries, churches and eldercare facilities to find support that is helpful to you.