UpliftedCare improves quality of life for CHF. So when may it be time for your loved one to gain extra support? More than 5 million people in the United States have congestive heart failure (CHF). It’s the most common diagnosis in hospitalized patients over age 65. Yet, despite its many benefits, hospice care is underused for patients with heart failure. So how does hospice care improve quality of life for CHF? And when is it time for extra support?
Congestive heart failure can be somewhat stable at first, and may only require routine check-ups with your physician. But as the disease advances and symptoms worsen over time, more support may be needed. Advanced CHF can be difficult to manage alone, symptoms can be distressing, uncomfortable and frightening leading to frequent ER visits. CHF can also feel overwhelming to family caregivers as they try and provide the best care possible to their loved one. Patterns of getting worse and then getting better are common and can make it difficult to determine when it is the right time to gain additional support. Here are 8 signs that your loved one may need extra support.
When is the right time for UpliftedCare?
8 signs that hospice might be appropriate for someone living with CHF:
- Frequent visits to the emergency room
- Episodes of respiratory infections
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid accumulation lower extremities; puffy legs
- Fluid accumulation in the upper legs or abdomen
- Limited ability to perform activities of daily living
- Depression, anxiety, anger, confusion, difficulty sleeping
- Medication required for fluid retention, chest pain, or respiratory symptoms
Our expert care can help reduce symptoms including shortness of breath, pain, fatigue, fluid retention and hypertension. Through our extra layer of support, we can help control issues to help reduce ER visits keeping your loved one in the safety of home. Our check-in calls help monitor symptoms to allow needed intervention before complications arise.
How We Help
- Symptom prevention as opposed to crisis management
- Prevention of hospital stays and ER visits
- Management of the most prevalent symptoms including: shortness of breath, fluid retention, anxiety, and depression
- Patient and caregiver access to a Registered Nurse 24/7 for symptom management
- Full support of our interdisciplinary team including: our medical director, nurses, with CNAs who can assist with bathing and personal care, social workers who can help align any needed community resources and chaplains for spiritual support and guidance
- Individual plan of care for each patient and their family
- Education about medication and coping with stress, sleep disorders, fatigue, and other symptoms experienced by cardiac patients
- Emotional and spiritual support
The Toll Of CHF Is More Than Physical
People with heart failure may have a number of uncomfortable issues beyond physical discomfort and pain. What’s not as obvious is the toll this disease can have on your emotions, joy, and general overall wellbeing. Common issues can also include:
- Emotional issue including: depression, anxiety, fear, sadness, and anger
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion
- Diminishing ability to participate in physical and social activities
- Reduced quality of life
- Stress over your ability to manage your condition
- Loneliness because you worry other people don’t understand what you’re going through
UpliftedCare can help improve the quality of life for those living with advanced CHF by also helping you cope with the very real emotional side of illness.
If you or a loved one is suffering from heart disease, UpliftedCare can help. Whether you are interested in gaining care, or simply just need answers and resources, our team is ready to provide you with the help you need to make the best decision for you and your family, simply give us a call at 815.939.4141 or Get Help Here.
Hospice is a fully covered Medicare/Medicaid benefit. Care includes caregivers, medications, supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis.
