How Home Care Aides Can Assist After a Heart Attack

Experiencing a heart attack is one of the most vulnerable times for anyone. Not only is the patient physically at risk, but their mental and emotional state may be on shaky ground, hence why they may need extra support during recovery.

However, just resting alone isn’t enough. Post-heart attack patients often require extensive care ranging from medical support and education to lifestyle modifications, companion care, and daily assistance to help them physically, mentally, and emotionally get back on their feet.

Here are some of the services our in-home caregivers can provide for patients after they have had a heart attack:

Medical Support

One of the most critical means of support after one experiences a heart attack is getting the medical assistance they need. This often includes taking medication, getting their basic vitals regularly checked, and keeping tabs on the patient’s overall progress.

Patients may also need assistance in setting up and/or transporting to regular doctor checkups to monitor their heart, rehabilitation appointments, emotional support group sessions, or mental health services after their major medical event.

Education

In-home care providers are also excellent at helping educate and provide resources for patients after they have had a heart attack. Not only can they help guide patients on avoiding a future event, but they can educate them on what they need to know right now to remain healthy and safe.

Education may involve helping patients understand how their medication(s) work(s), potential side effects to be on the lookout for, activities and foods to avoid during recovery, and how to log their symptoms and vitals. They will also educate them on what they can expect during recovery and how long it may take.

Lifestyle Modifications

Home care service aides not just educate on the necessary lifestyle modifications patients need to make after experiencing a heart attack, but they can also assist in creating a plan for the patient, providing them with the necessary resources, and even helping them carry the plan out.

Lifestyle modifications for post-heart attack care involve managing stress, regularly exercising, following a nutritious diet plan, and quitting smoking and drinking.

Companion Care

Even after experiencing a daunting medical emergency like a heart attack, patients still require social and emotional support. This is where companion care comes into play.

Companion care may involve actively listening to the patient’s emotional concerns, helping manage their stress, setting up visits with friends and family for socialization, and encouraging progression in the patient.

Daily Assistance

With extra rest and reduced physical activity being crucial aspects of recovering from a heart attack, daily task assistance is a much-needed service an in-home caretaker can provide.

Daily assistance can range from helping one bathe and get dressed, to grocery shopping or completing errands, to doing dishes and laundry on behalf of the patient. This way, they can focus on getting the rest they need and not overexert themselves, improving their overall recovery time and reducing chances of relapse.

Does someone you know require post-heart attack care? Temporary home care services are just a quick phone call away. Contact ComForCare today to get at-home post-heart attack support set up for a loved one.