Blog
How Home Care Helps After A Heart Failure

How Home Care Helps after a Heart Failure

Home care specialists provide support and assistance as your loved one returns home after being hospitalized for heart failure.

Home Care Interventions for Patients being discharged for Heart Failure

The term “heart failure” sounds like the heart has completely stopped working but in reality, heart failure means that the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. Heart failure is one of the most common reasons that people over 65 go to the hospital. 24.8% of patients will be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days and approximately 50% will be readmitted within six months of being discharged for heart failure.

According to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), people who have experienced heart failure can continue to live a full, enjoyable life as long as their condition is managed with medication and lifestyle changes. It is essential to put these changes into place to prevent readmission to the hospital. Home care can help provide services so those lifestyle changes are an easy and smooth transition

Below are services that home care can provide that align with evidence-based practices that are proven to reduce readmission rates for heart failure:

1. Medication Reminders

It is critical that people who have heart failure take their medicine. Failure to take medications regularly—or not taking the proper dose— can cause a hospital readmission. Caregivers can help with medication reminders, knowing the proper doses, transportation to the pharmacy, and being educated on medication side effects.

2. Diet Prep and Planning

It’s important for individuals who had heart failure to follow a diet that is low in sodium and pay close attention to how much fluid they are taking in. Caregivers can provide meal planning and prepping, help read labels, grocery shop, and track if there are any dietary restrictions based on medications an individual takes.

3. Transportation to Doctor Appointments

It’s important for individuals who had heart failure to follow a diet that is low in sodium and pay close attention to how much fluid they are taking in. Caregivers can provide meal planning and prepping, help read labels, grocery shop, and track if there are any dietary restrictions based on medications an individual takes.

What Types of Home Care Services Are Available?

Home care looks different for everyone. Each individual’s needs are unique, and home care can be tailored to fit those needs. Depending on what your loved one’s needs are, caregiving services can be available 24-hours a day or a few hours each week. Some of the services include:

Personal Care

Homemaking

Companionship

  • Conversation
  • Reading Aloud
  • Hobbies and Projects
  • Outings and Events
  • Morning Wake-Up & Evening Tuck-In
  • Assistance with Attending Religious Services

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Sources:

  • https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1708580/Marketing%20Monthlies/PDFs%20from%20Windfarm%20Marketing/0916_HomeCareHeartFailure_CMYK.pdf
  • http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartFailure/TreatmentOptionsForHeartFailure/Medications-Used-to-Treat-Heart-Failure_UCM_306342_Article.jsp#.V8SxD5MrJME
  • http://www.heartfailurematters.org/en_GB/What-can-you-do/Adjusting-your-diet

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.

Back To Top