After a heart attack, your senior’s life is bound to change. Even a mild heart attack means that your elderly family
member needs to reevaluate some of what’s going on daily. Heart care at home is an important way to ensure that your elderly family member is able to access the help that she needs to make the changes that benefit her the most.
Adjusting Some Old Routines
Everyone has habits and routines that they’ve held onto for years. Some of those that your senior engages in might not
be the best ones for her after a heart attack. Eating out almost every day, choosing foods that aren’t nutritionally dense, and being sedentary are all activities that your senior may enjoy, but that don’t serve her heart health. It can take time and effort to adjust those routines.
Adding Exercise
If your elderly family member’s doctor clears her to start exercising, that can significantly help her heart health. Exercise helps your senior to strengthen her muscles, including her heart muscle. Complicated exercise routines can be tough to stick with, so it’s a good idea to start slowly and small and then work toward more activity. Cardiac rehab can help your senior to do this safely.
Taking Medications
Your senior may find that after a heart attack she’s suddenly taking more medications than she expected. It can be tough to remember to take medication, especially at the correct times. Heart care at home helps to ensure that your senior is taking her medications properly and consistently. That’s going to help her to get the best results.
Dealing with the Emotional Aspect of Heart Trouble
Don’t overlook the emotional effects of a heart attack and chronic heart issues. Your senior may feel betrayed by her body and upset about things that she can’t control. That’s normal, but it can be difficult for both you and her to cope with as she’s healing. It may benefit your senior to have some stress relief techniques or to be able to talk to someone who can help her to find techniques that help her to cope with her emotions.
Home health care services can ensure that your senior is getting the help that she needs after a heart attack, especially if she’s primarily at home. Putting together a plan of action that makes healing easier and safer for your senior is only going to help.