Skilled Home Health Care for Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure is the most common diagnosis in hospitalized patients over 65. Fortunately, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help patients manage their chronic illness right at home.
About Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart’s ability to pump is decreased, causing less effective circulation of blood throughout the circulatory system. Many cardiac factors may contribute to a CHF diagnosis, such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease (CAD).
Symptoms of congestive heart failure vary for each patient, but they may include:
- Atrial fibrillation, or a quivering or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Swelling and/or fluid retention
- Fatigue
- Fainting or passing out
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
How do I know if I’m ready for home care to help manage my CHF?
Our team of experts assess each heart failure patient for home care eligibility. Some signs that you may be ready for home care for CHF are:
- Leaving home is taxing and/or requires assistance
- Hospitalization or ER visit in last 6 months
- New diagnosis of CHF (or other diagnosis)
- Recent exacerbation of CHF (or other diagnosis)
- Onset or increase in signs and symptoms
- Confusion about medications
- New or recent medication changes
- Falling in the past 6 months
- Decline in ability to perform ADLs/IADLs
- Concern from patient and/or family about recent health changes
Each patient’s plan of care is tailored to meet their unique care needs and health goals. Most commonly, home care helps heart failure patients:
- Remain independent at home
- Reduce potential ER visits/hospitalizations
- Decrease their risk of falling
- Conserve energy
- Receive treatment at first signs of exacerbation
Home care services for CHF patients
Elara Caring offers many skilled services, including a diagnosis-specific CHF program, to support patients as they manage their heart failure at home.
Home care nursing, for example, offers education to patients on the disease process and their medications. Nurses can assist with diet recommendations and provide effective symptom management tools and treatments.
Physical therapy helps patients with balance, strength and mobility. Therapy is customized for each patient and may include things like functional or endurance exercises or assistive device teaching.
Occupational therapy provides training to help patients accomplish their activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing and meal preparation. Occupational therapists can assess patients’ homes for safety issues or fall risks, too. Additionally, occupational therapy can help patients with energy conservation.
Get in touch with Elara Caring
Contact your local Elara Caring branch for more information or ask your physician if skilled home health with Elara Caring may be right for you.
Contact a Location Near You
