One of the main causes of congestive heart failure for elderly people is high blood pressure. The result of high blood pressure is that it causes the heart to work harder and weaken the muscles. Other causes are diabetes, blocked blood vessels, pericardial disease, exposure to toxic substances high blood glucose levels, congenital heart disease and chronic arrhythmias.
Congestive heart failure is a very serious condition and extra care should be taken once your elderly loved one returns home from the hospital to make sure he is well taken care of. Using a home care service to provide a caregiver who can be there for him night and day when you can’t will help him to recover with less stress on him and less burden on your shoulders.
There is a lot of rest required after congestive heart failure, as well as the specific program the doctor has designed for him. His caregiver can look after all of his needs, while encouraging him to start doing some things for himself at a rate set out by his physician.
Upon approval from his doctor, your elderly loved one can begin participating in a supervised exercise program which will help to bring his heart back to a stronger state. Risk factors which were identified, such as fat, cholesterol, saturated fat and salt in the diet will be controlled and his fluid balance will be monitored. If he suddenly starts gaining weight it is probably fluid retention which signals a problem and must be taken care of immediately.
What are some of the things a caregiver from a senior home care agency can do to help your loved one recover?
- Give assistance with daily tasks such as dressing and undressing; bathing and hygiene.
- Give him reminders to stay on schedule with his medications.
- Provide interesting conversation and companionship.
- Cook and serve simple wholesome meals and help him eat so he retains his strength.
- Clean-up after cooking.
- Take him to doctor’s appointments.
- Help him remember to follow directions given by his doctor for amount of exercise, etc.
- Help him to abide by his dietary restrictions.
- Cheer him up and play games with him or read to him if he wants.
- Drive him to his occupational therapy appointments.
- Be there to call the doctor if an emergency arises.
- Help him to stay in good spirits and not get lonely or discouraged.
If you or an aging loved one needs home care in the Sacramento, CA area; remember there is “Senior Home Care Services” for all services needed. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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