In the world of caregiving, providing care for seniors with cardiac conditions is an opportunity to learn about self-care. It's not only important to ensure that seniors receive proper health services; it's also vital to become familiar with general heart conditions to provide the best support. In this blog post, we'll look at what caregivers can learn about their own heart health while caring for seniors.
Caregiving for Seniors with Heart Conditions
According to the National Institute on Aging, people aged 65 and older are more susceptible to heart disease. They are especially vulnerable to cardiac risk factors including high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. If a senior has a known heart condition, caregivers must closely monitor things like breathing patterns and levels of activity. They should also be on the lookout for symptoms that might indicate a stroke or a heart attack in progress.
Though regular exercise is traditionally not recommended for seniors with heart conditions, it has been shown that properly prescribed and monitored physical activities may help. Additionally, home safety measures can help prevent serious medical incidents from occurring. No matter what diagnosis a senior has received, having the help of a professional caregiver can ensure they have someone to handle their day-to-day needs.
How Caregivers Can Learn About Their Own Heart Health
As a caregiver or someone who closely monitors the wellness of your elderly family member, you may find ample opportunity to learn about your own heart health. In fact, heart disease tends to run in families. It's important to pay attention to whether inherited traits (e.g., high cholesterol) are markers of your loved one's heart condition that you may also possess.
You may also learn about healthy lifestyle changes you can adopt to protect your heart. Simple eating habits like consuming less salt and more anti-inflammatory foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids can minimize cardiovascular risks.
Caregivers may also know more about heart health from following a similar nutrition plan their loved one is prescribed. Additionally, attending your loved one's regular doctor visits allows you to stay abreast of your loved one's progress. This also provides you opportunities to ask questions about how you might detect and prevent heart disease early on.
Senior Helpers of Fort Wayne Can Support You Through it All
Understanding the biology behind heart conditions – both hereditary and lifestyle-based - can give family caregivers a better grasp of what may have led to their family member's condition and how they might prevent a similar diagnosis. This knowledge not only helps inform your duty as a caregiver but also increases your personal awareness about potential cardiac issues that you might develop.
Of course, caring for a loved one with a heart condition can be overwhelming. In fact, you may just be learning how best to meet their needs. That's where Senior Helpers of Fort Wayne comes in. We can support the appropriate care regime for seniors living in Arcola, Auburn, Fort Wayne, Garrett, Grabill, Huntertown, Laotto, Leo, New Haven, and Woodburn with the help of trained staff who have both experience and compassion. Contact us today to learn more about our services.