7 Non-Medical Ways to Support Seniors with Heart Conditions at Home

As a family caregiver, it’s natural to worry about your senior loved one’s heart health. According to the National Council on Aging, six of the 10 most common chronic conditions in seniors 65 and older are associated with the heart. Some heart conditions and medications can cause dizziness and fatigue that can increase the risk of other problems, such as falling.

If your loved one has a chronic heart condition, a Visiting Angels professional caregiver can give you both peace of mind. We can help you support your loved one with non-medical home care, including medication reminders, help with daily tasks, and emotional support and interaction.

Let’s talk through some of the most common chronic heart conditions reported by our clients and how Visiting Angels can provide much-needed support.

5 Common Chronic Heart Conditions

Many seniors over 65 get treatment for at least one of the following chronic heart conditions, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): Electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers cause it to beat irregularly.
  
  
• Diabetes: The body doesn’t produce the right amount of insulin and can’t use it appropriately.
  
  
• Heart failure: The heart weakens and cannot supply adequate blood and oxygen to all the organs of the body.
  
  
• High cholesterol: A buildup of fats and particles that clog the arteries.
  
  
• Hypertension: The blood pressure against the artery walls becomes too high, and the heart has difficulty circulating blood throughout the body.

Other common conditions that affect heart health include obesity and coronary heart disease.

Practical Tips to Support Seniors with Chronic Heart Conditions

Managing a chronic heart condition can be challenging for your loved one, but the proper support can make daily life easier and healthier. Implementing simple, non-medical strategies can help your senior maintain their well-being and independence at home.

• Encourage a Heart-Healthy Diet
  Aim for a heart-healthy diet and encourage your loved one to avoid or minimize unhealthy fats, processed foods, and salt. A Visiting Angels caregiver can assist with grocery shopping and meal preparation to help your senior get fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

• Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
  Diet changes can help your senior maintain a healthy body weight, reducing heart disease risks and high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight can also increase strength, balance, and reduce fall risks.

• Get Consistent Sleep
  A nightly sleep schedule for seniors of 7 to 8 hours can improve cognitive health and strengthen their immune system. Help your senior’s sleep schedule by avoiding late-night caffeine, long daytime naps, or watching TV before bedtime.

• Urge Regular Exercise
  Taking walks, senior swim classes, and yoga are excellent ways to keep your senior physically active, improving both physical and cognitive health.

• Help Them Stop Smoking
  When helping your loved one stop this possibly life-long habit, give your senior a beneficial reason to get healthy: longer time with you and other loved ones.

• Reduce Stress
  Managing stress lowers the risk of further heart problems. Home care professionals can help by engaging your loved one in physical activities and favorite hobbies while building a trusting relationship with strong emotional support.

• Remind Them to Take Medications
  Maintaining a medication schedule and regular blood pressure checks is crucial in managing chronic heart conditions. A professional caregiver can remind your senior about taking their medication.

Let Visiting Angels Be Your Trusted Support

Watching your loved one manage a chronic heart condition does not have to be cause for concern. Professional caregivers can provide emotional respite care and help support your loved one’s heart health. With regular blood pressure checks, changes in diet and exercise, and maintaining a regular schedule of sleep and medication, your loved one can savor every moment while aging at home.

At Visiting Angels, our compassionate, non-medical care can provide the support your loved one needs to live comfortably and confidently at home.

Contact your local home care office today to learn how we can help your family find peace of mind and personalized care solutions.