Managing Congestive Heart Disease at Home

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is more common than you might think. According to the Canadian Heart Failure Network, over 400,000 Canadians are currently under treatment for the condition. But more and more CHF patients and family caregivers are discovering their own important role in managing CHF—and in-home care can help the patient remain safe and healthy at home.

Preparing nutritious, heart-healthy meals is just one of the many ways professional in-home caregivers help clients manage congestive heart disease. _____________________

CHF is sometimes called "the silent epidemic," because many people have the condition and don't know it. Heart failure occurs when the heart is weakened and cannot pump enough blood for the body's needs. This results in a backup of fluid throughout the body. Heart failure can be caused by previous damage to the heart muscle or valves, by high blood pressure, by infection, or by a combination of causes.

Symptoms of CHF include shortness of breath; swelling of feet, ankles and abdomen; fatigue; coughing and raspy breathing; and confusion.

Medical Treatment

Occasionally CHF can be cured, if the condition is caused by an underlying heart defect that can be corrected with surgery. However, most cases cannot be cured. But medical treatment and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms and prevent further loss of heart function.

Medical treatments include surgery, medications, supplemental oxygen, and careful management of underlying conditions.

Lifestyle choices and following the healthcare provider's instructions can prevent worsening of the condition. For example, it's important to avoid smoking, excess cholesterol, obesity, alcohol abuse, inactivity, excess fluid intake and stress.

Click here to download and print a checklist you can use if you or a loved one are living with CHF.

In-Home Care Supports Patient, Family

Most CHF patients prefer to live at home rather than in a nursing home or other care facility. But patients and their loved ones know that living at home with the condition presents a special set of challenges. Assuring that the right care plan is followed is important. And sometimes taking care of home and personal needs can be taxing. In-home senior health care services can help. A trained caregiver can:

• Supervise overall care on a regular basis
• Help with medication management
• Provide assistance with the activities of daily living, such as meal planning, light housekeeping and home laundry services
• Do errands such as grocery shopping
• Assist with personal care.

For loved ones, knowing a qualified caregiver is with their family member when they themselves can't be enhances peace of mind. Family are reassured that their senior relative is being well cared for and that help is at hand while they are at work or during other activities.

Visit the Retire-At-Home website to learn more about how home care can help if your loved one has CHF or another type of heart disease. 

For More Information about Heart Disease

February is Heart Month. The Heart & Stoke Foundation offers information about heart health and heart disease for seniors and family caregivers, including the care and treatment of CHF and a free booklet to download, Managing Congestive Heart Failure.

The Canadian Heart Failure Network website includes information for people with CHF and family caregivers, including helpful tips for patients.

February is Heart Month