How Can You Help Your Elderly Loved One Live Safely with Heart Failure?

Elderly Care Arlington Heights IL - How Can You Help Your Elderly Loved One Live Safely with Heart Failure?

Just because your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure, that doesn't mean that life as she knows it is over. Sure, she may need to modify some of her habits, but that's a small price to pay for her to live a healthier life with fewer chances of experiencing serious heart issues. 

Watch for Specific Symptoms 

Your elderly loved one's doctor will let both of you know what you should watch out for that might indicate that your loved one's heart failure is getting worse. These might be symptoms that the medication isn't working or that her heart is under stress.

Some of the signs to watch for include: 

• Trouble breathing 
• Swelling in the legs or other areas 
• Unexplained exhaustion 
• Chest pain 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Coughing up fluid 

Follow Medication Instructions and Other Advice from Doctors 

Your loved one's doctors are going to have some very specific instructions for her regarding her lifestyle, her health, her diet, and her medications. It's really important to follow those instructions as closely as you possibly can. Failing to do so can impact your loved one's health in a negative way.  

Pay Attention to How Secure Your Loved One Feels 

Some elderly loved ones no longer feel safe on their own after they learn that they have heart failure. If that's the case for your loved one, you might want to look into ways to help her to feel more secure. One way to do that might be to make sure she has someone with her during the day if you're not there. Hiring elderly care providers or asking other family members to stop by can help your loved one feel less alone. 

​Join a Support Group 

Having a support group that you can turn to can help you to accept your own feelings about your loved one's health issues. You'll also learn ways that you can help her to stay as healthy as possible. The more you meet other caregivers who are dealing with similar issues, the less alone you'll feel, too. 

Talk to your elderly loved one regularly about what would help her to feel safer and happier. Then you can modify your plans accordingly. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Arlington Heights IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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