4 Tips for Living with Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart doesn’t work as well as it should. Today, doctors typically refer to it simply as “heart failure.” Almost 6 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with heart failure. While heart failure sounds terrifying and it is a chronic and serious condition, your older family member can still lead a good life with it. There are many things that can be done at home to help seniors to live better with heart failure. Here are 4 ways to improve life with congestive heart failure, with the help of elder care providers.

#1: Maintain a Positive Attitude

It can be easy for older adults to get down when they have a chronic disease. However, remaining positive is an important part of living well with heart failure. For one thing, when seniors are able to remain optimistic, they may be more likely to follow the doctor’s advice and stick to their treatment plan.

Home care providers can help older adults to stay positive by being a positive influence. They can stay upbeat about the lifestyle changes needed for living with heart failure and celebrate successes with your aging relative.

#2: Check Weight Daily

It’s important for people with heart failure to weight themselves every day. They should do so wearing approximately the same clothing and at the same time each day. Weight needs to be tracked because rapid weight gain can mean the older adult is retaining fluid. If they gain 3 pounds in 3 days, contact the doctor.

Elder care providers can help the senior to weigh themselves each day and write down the results.

#3: Take Medication

It may seem obvious that your older family member should take medications prescribed by the doctor. However, seniors sometimes have difficulty following treatment plans because they forget to take their medicines. Failing to take medications can be serious for people with heart failure since they are necessary for breathing easier, reducing swelling, and helping the older adult to live longer.

Elder care can be an important part of ensuring your older family member takes their medications as prescribed and consistently. Elder care providers cannot administer medications, but they can remind the senior when it is time to take medicine and monitor them to ensure they are taking the right amount.

#4: Eat a Low-Salt Diet

Eating too much salt causes water retention. Your aging relative should try to eat 1,500 mg of sodium per day or less.

Elder care can prepare meals that are low in salt and conform to the dietary changes recommended by the doctor or dietitian.

Sources
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/heart-care-16/living-with-advanced-heart-failure
https://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-failure/living-with/congestive-heart-failure-life-expectancy/

If you are considering elder care in Beavercreek, OH, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home of Dayton today at 937-870-2015.