Elder Care in Rio Verde AZ

As a caregiver, one of the most important ways that you can ensure you give your parents the most effective care possible is by educating yourself about the potential health risks that they face and pay close attention to their symptoms and behaviors so that you can detect these issues when they arise. Educating yourself also enables you to confront new challenges within your elder care journey and handle them in the way that is best for your seniors. One of these potential challenges is congestive heart failure.

For any caregiver, the term “heart failure” can be truly terrifying. It may bring to mind images of a senior suddenly collapsing or a hopeless health situation that will dramatically diminish his quality of life. The reality is that congestive heart failure is an extremely common health concern about aging adults, and that with the proper awareness and management, the condition does not have to stop your seniors from enjoying an active, healthy, and engaged quality of life.

As a caregiver, some of the things that you should know about congestive heart failure include:

• An estimated five million people in the United States are currently suffering from congestive heart failure, and many of them do not even know it;

• Congestive heart failure can affect people of any age, but becomes a higher risk for those over the age of 65;

• Some of the most common symptoms of congestive heart failure go undetected because people mistake them for normal signs of aging, or as effects from other health concerns and conditions. This can lead to them not getting the medical attention that they need to manage the condition properly;

• Early detection of CHF can make a tremendous difference in the progression of the condition and the ability of the senior to cope with it.

It is important to note that regardless of the name, congestive heart failure is not an instant condition, nor is it something that means imminent death. Instead, CHF is the gradual lessening of the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently through the body due to weakening muscles. This causes the body to retain fluids and can lead to a variety of ill health-effects if not managed properly.

Some of the symptoms of CHF include:

• Swelling of the extremities

• Tiredness or fatigue

• Weakness

• Shakiness

• Feeling short of breath

• Breathlessness when trying to sleep

• Coughing

Congestive heart failure does not have to mean that your parents have to give up on the lifestyle that they enjoy. They will, however, need to manage and monitor their condition with certain lifestyle changes, including:

• Limiting salt intake

• Daily weigh-ins to monitor for dramatic weight changes

• Participating in a healthy exercise regimen

• Following all treatment guidelines set forth by the physician

Get in touch with the elder care agency in your area to find out more about hiring an elderly health care services provider who can help your parents cope with CHF and give them the support and assistance they need to manage their condition while continuing to live the quality of life they desire.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Rio Verde, AZ, contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at (480) 725-7002.