Have a heart—caregivers need care, too

Living with a chronic medical condition after surviving a heart attack or stroke may come with additional health and personal care needs. Often survivors must rely on a family member or close friend to help. However, there’s a growing body of scientific research that shows people who serve as unpaid caregivers may not be getting the care they need to live longer, healthier lives, according to the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. provide some form of regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability; 58% of them are women and almost a third provide care for at least 20 hours per week.

There are many facets to caregiving, from providing health care such as changing bandages and giving medications, to helping with personal needs such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Additionally, it may be necessary to take on administrative tasks like scheduling medical appointments, filing insurance claims and paying household bills.

LECOM Health is a Live Fierce. Be Well sponsor of the American Heart Association Erie Division. “The typical caregiver likely has an ever-growing and changing to-do list and most of them probably do not add ‘take care of myself’ to that list. While caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, it can also take a huge physical and mental toll on even the strongest person,” said Matthew C. Becker, M.D., chairman of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories for LECOM Health.

“There can be financial costs associated with caregiving, as well as significantly higher physical and psychological health risks. Social isolation and disruption of outside relationships have been observed among people caring for family members with chronic illnesses such as heart failure.”

Below are a few key recommendations to help caregivers care for themselves:

• Learn everything you can about your loved one’s condition. Knowledge is empowering.
• Set boundaries; say no when it’s appropriate, don’t dwell on what you can’t change and recognize you are trying your best
• Maintain a healthy diet, including limiting caffeine.
• Get adequate rest.
• Find a support system and share your feelings with someone who wants to listen or understands what you are feeling. The American Heart Association operates an online Support Network with a section just for caregivers at supportnetwork.heart.org.
• Nurture your spiritual life and focus on things you’re grateful for each day.
• Make time for yourself and for friends; participate in activities you enjoy, including getting regular physical activity.
• Keep an eye on your own health, stay current with your medical and dental appointments and let your health care professional know if you are experiencing signs of depression which can be managed with talk therapy or medication.

You will also want to be prepared for possible medical emergencies:

• If you are caring for someone at risk for a heart attack or stroke, recognize the warning signs and call 9-1-1 if they experience any of those.
• Learn Hands-Only CPR. Research shows most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home. Be ready to save the life of a loved one experiencing cardiac arrest:

Call 9-1-1; and push hard and fast at the center of the chest.