Use Home Care Assistance to Aid Heart Attack Recovery

More than 800,000 Americans have a heart attack each year. Your dad had a heart attack. Everyone is stressed, which is understandable, but you have to put your dad's needs first. During his heart attack recovery, these are the steps for you and your home care assistance provider to take to ensure your family puts him first.

Your dad may stay in the hospital for up to a week. It depends on the severity and whether he had heart surgery. His cardiology team will give him a list of things he can and cannot do. He needs to follow these guidelines.

He Needs to Take It Easy

One of the things he'll be told to do is rest and relax for a few weeks or even months. He shouldn't become excessively stressed when possible. Your dad needs to avoid things that shock the heart, such as diving into cold water or sitting in a sauna.

He won't likely be allowed to drive. If he has follow-up appointments, he needs a driver. He won't be allowed to exert himself, so carrying a heavy hamper of laundry up and down the stairs is not advised.

Expect your dad's medical team to refer him to a physical therapist. He'll have exercise programs to follow, and he needs people to support him as he does them at home. These exercises are designed to slowly build his stamina and not put a strain on his heart while he does them.

Lifestyle Changes Are Also Important

His diet may change. He may need to switch to decaf coffee if he's used to drinking coffee all day. Increasing vegetables and fruit may be recommended, especially if your dad is a meat and potatoes type.

Whole grains, heart-healthy oils, and plenty of water are other recommendations. Ask his doctors if he could work with a dietitian. It will help him, and it also helps you if you're preparing his meals.

If your dad is a smoker, he needs to quit. Support groups and nicotine patches or gum can help him handle the cravings and kick the habit.

Your dad may need to stop drinking. If he's accustomed to a beer with his dinner, ask his doctor if it's allowed. If not, look at non-alcohol options. They've come a long way, and there are some very convincing non-alcoholic craft beers available in many styles ranging from stouts to IPAs.

Schedule Caregivers For Help at Home

Home care assistance is essential after a heart attack. Your dad has to listen to his cardiologist's advice. That can mean taking it easy and slowly increasing activities. Caregivers can help with daily chores that require more exertion than is approved for your dad.

Let caregivers vacuum, carry out the trash, and do the laundry. They can help your dad with shopping and errands and cook meals. Call a home care assistance specialist to get started.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Assistance in Apopka, FL please contact the caring staff at Elle-Marie's Homecare, LLC today. 321-344-0871

Sources:

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