Home Health Care in Houston TX Helps Seniors Diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is often referred to as the “silent epidemic” since many people have this illness but have not been diagnosed. Approximately 5 million Americans have congestive heart failure, which means one person in every five people will develop this disease after the age of 40. This chronic condition leads to frequent hospitalizations. The prognosis is not good for this condition, but there are many people who live beyond the normally expected time due to their active role in the management of the disease. Home health care companions assist patients in maintaining this active role.
Today, many people are also being cared for through home health care. Home care companions are well trained medical staff that assists the patient in taking an active role in their care. In addition, they will also teach family members about CHF. Proper care is essential to controlling symptoms of the disease and a patient’s longevity.
Typically the cause of CHF is damage from a heart attack, high blood pressure, heart damage due to infections, lung disease or heart valve disease. The symptoms of congestive heart disease include:
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of feet, ankles and the abdomen
• Dyspnea and a chronic cough
• Severe fatigue
• Confusion
Home health care companions educate the patient about their disease and the best way to control the symptoms. They will make sure the patient is weighed daily as a sudden increase in weight may indicate fluid retention. Lifestyle choices that impact this disease will also be taught to the patient. These include obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, alcohol abuse, sedentary lifestyle and stress. Maintaining a normal weight with exercise is encouraged as is reducing their salt intake. Adequate rest is also important. Relaxation techniques can also be taught to reduce stress.
A quality home care companion can help the patient meet those special challenges that can be so difficult, especially for those patients who do not have a family member to provide care. They will supervise the overall care and provide assistance with the activities of daily living as necessary. They can also run errands, take the patient to their doctor and help with their medications.
Clinical research has proven that home health care companion visits following discharge from the hospital can improve the symptoms of CHF and also reduce further hospitalizations. They educate the patient about their chronic condition and the life style changes that will extend their lives.
To learn more about home health care in the Houston area, contact the At Your Side Home Care caregivers at 832-271-1600 or fill out our web form today!
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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