When an older family member has a heart attack, it can change everything. The focus of family caregivers and the senior suddenly changes to their heart health and there’s a lot of worry about what will come next. The senior may be worried about losing their independence and being unable to continue doing the things they used to. While a heart attack is terrifying, it can be a way for older adults to refocus themselves on making better health choices. In fact, with some help, your aging relative can use their recovery to improve their health to better than it was before the heart attack. Home care can be just the thing they need to make the necessary changes and come back strong. Below are two simple ways a home care provider can make a huge difference in your loved one’s heart attack recovery.
Balance Rest and Activity
After a heart attack, the older adult will need to get enough rest to allow their body to heal. Getting a good night’s sleep can be hard for those that live alone as they may worry about needing help during the night. Having a home care provider present can ease their fears and ensure they aren’t injured during the night if they need to get up and use the bathroom.
While rest is certainly important, it is equally as important that sleep be balanced with activity. As soon as the doctor gives the okay, older adults should begin easing back into some of their regular activities, including spending time with friends. Social connection is important since it reminds the older adult of the many reasons they have to live and offers the emotional support they need. In addition to social activity, exercise is important for improving heart health and reducing some of the risk factors associated with having a second heart attack, such as obesity. Home care providers can assist the senior to get to social activities by helping them to get ready and driving them to the places they need to go. Home care providers can also monitor at home exercise or go for walks with the senior to keep them active.
Make Dietary Changes
What your aging relative eats has a lot to do with their heart health. Good nutrition supports overall health and gives the body the nutrients it needs to promote healing. A healthy diet can also lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.
Home care providers can prepare balanced, heart healthy meals for the older adult while they recover and afterward. As part of the healthy meal, a home care provider can also spend time with the older adult while they eat to make the meal a happier occasion, which can encourage them to continue following a healthy diet.
Sources
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/life-after-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-recovery-faqs
https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/recovering-from-a-heart-attack/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/5-things-you-need-to-do-after-a-heart-attack
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN RIVER FOREST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Balance Rest and Activity
After a heart attack, the older adult will need to get enough rest to allow their body to heal. Getting a good night’s sleep can be hard for those that live alone as they may worry about needing help during the night. Having a home care provider present can ease their fears and ensure they aren’t injured during the night if they need to get up and use the bathroom.
While rest is certainly important, it is equally as important that sleep be balanced with activity. As soon as the doctor gives the okay, older adults should begin easing back into some of their regular activities, including spending time with friends. Social connection is important since it reminds the older adult of the many reasons they have to live and offers the emotional support they need. In addition to social activity, exercise is important for improving heart health and reducing some of the risk factors associated with having a second heart attack, such as obesity. Home care providers can assist the senior to get to social activities by helping them to get ready and driving them to the places they need to go. Home care providers can also monitor at home exercise or go for walks with the senior to keep them active.
Make Dietary Changes
What your aging relative eats has a lot to do with their heart health. Good nutrition supports overall health and gives the body the nutrients it needs to promote healing. A healthy diet can also lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.
Home care providers can prepare balanced, heart healthy meals for the older adult while they recover and afterward. As part of the healthy meal, a home care provider can also spend time with the older adult while they eat to make the meal a happier occasion, which can encourage them to continue following a healthy diet.
Sources
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/life-after-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-recovery-faqs
https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/recovering-from-a-heart-attack/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/5-things-you-need-to-do-after-a-heart-attack
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN RIVER FOREST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.