Facts for Caring for a Parent With Heart Disease

By Jessica Ott | October 20, 2021 |

Heart disease is one of the nation’s more prevalent health issues. It’s estimated that 18.2 million adults have coronary heart disease. In addition, more than 800,000 people have heart attacks each year. It’s common, but it’s still alarming to get the call that your mom’s heart is not working effectively. Your mom is recovering from heart surgery or a heart attack or needs to make lifestyle changes due to coronary heart disease. It’s time to address the steps that need to be taken when you and her companion care at home aides are providing her care.

Listen to the Doctors

Companion Care at Home Gettysburg PA – Facts for Caring for a Parent With Heart Disease

Your mom will have specialists on her medical team who can walk you through what you need to do. This can include changing her diet, helping her get more exercise, and taking medications prescribed by her doctors. She may need to stop smoking and avoid alcohol.

Take notes if you’re afraid you’ll forget something. Ask questions if you have them. If you get home and find yourself wondering, jot it down and ask the next time you talk to the doctor. Some medical centers have online portals where you can send messages to doctors. Take advantage of this option if it’s available.

Help Her Improve Her Diet

Go through your mom’s kitchen and toss out the things she shouldn’t eat. If her doctor said to stop eating processed foods, set them aside and donate them to the local food shelf. If she’s been told to avoid alcohol, get rid of it. Salty foods may also need to go away.

Stock up your mom’s home with whole grains, fresh produce, and lean protein like tofu and seafood. Ask her doctor if the DASH or Mediterranean diet is recommended. If so, invest in a couple of books for those diets. Use their guides to learn how to stock her kitchen with the right foods to eat.

Help Her Get Enough Exercise

Find out what exercise programs are recommended. Ask if it would benefit your mom to work with a physical therapist. Either way, you need to encourage her to get and stay active. She may become more involved if you join her. It’s often easier to take a walk each day if you have company.

Arrange Visits From Companion Care at Home Providers

Have you looked into companion care at home services? Heart disease is stressful, and your mom may feel alone. She doesn’t have to. A caregiver can be there during the day when you’re not able to be with her. Call our agency and talk to a specialist in companion care at home services to learn more about prices and services.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Gettysburg PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.