It is not unusual for loved ones to feel overwhelmed when dealing with the physical, psychological and emotional stressors presented with illness.  If you are a caregiver, review the condition related information provided below and see how Peninsula Home Care can assist in helping you feel more in control of your situation.

The purpose of home health care is to provide the support, treatment and information caregivers and patients need to successfully manage their healthcare needs at home.  The home health nurse’s role is to facilitate home independence through patient education, patient advocacy and case management.  Some of the most common health problems encountered in home health are those associated with the heart, such as Coronary Artery Disease and Congestive Heart Failure.  The home health nurse can help those patients in a variety of ways.

Coronary Artery Disease:
CAD is the narrowing or obstruction of the arteries of the heart causing a decrease in blood flow.  This decrease leads to a diminished ability of the heart to pump blood and oxygen to the rest of the body.

A home health nurse can provide:

• Assessment: Cardiovascular status, patient history, functional status, learning abilities, nutritional status, environmental safety, interdisciplinary needs, psychosocial needs, lab values, pulmonary status, gastrointestinal status and fluid/electrolyte status.
• Intervention: Lab tests, oxygen and saturation levels via pulse oximeter.
• Patient Education: Rights and responsibilities, home safety and access to emergency care, CAD process and complications, community resource availability, diet, medications, energy conservation, pulse monitoring, oxygen use and safety.

Congestive Health Failure:
CHF is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutritional needs.  The result is congestion in the lungs or tissue in the extremities.

A home health nurse can provide:

• Assessment: Cardiovascular status, patient history, functional status, learning abilities, skin integrity, environmental safety, interdisciplinary needs, cardiovascular status, pulmonary status, renal/urinary status, lab values, gastrointestinal status, fluid and electrolyte status and prevention of acute hospitalization.
• Intervention: Lab tests, oxygen saturation levels via pulse oximeter, assistance with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
• Patient Education: Patient rights/responsibilities, medications, blood pressure/pulse monitoring, disease process, community resource availability, low sodium diet and energy conservation.

Home health nurses collaborate with physicians to develop the plan of care, goals and desired outcomes for individuals.  Physicians rely on the assessments and recommendations of the home health nurse to decide what treatments will be most effective.

Call us today to find out how we can help your heart patients!

A caregiver is anyone who provides assistance to someone who is in need of care.  Most caregivers are unpaid family members or friends who provide care on either a full or part-time basis.  It is estimated that 80% of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members.

Caregiving can be stressful and may contribute to serious illness and depression.  Caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their relative’s needs that they lose sight of their own wellbeing.  Many people are in the caregiver role for years and years.
This can take a tremendous toll, physically, psychologically and financially.

It is important not only for the caregivers to take care of their own health but also to get a break once in a while, taking time off on a regular basis to have some fun and get their own lives in order

Risks in Caregiving
Family caregivers face many stresses.  These can include chronic stress, family conflicts, and failure to meet one’s personal and emotional needs.  High levels of stress can result in burnout, self-neglect, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, depression, and neglect, abuse, and premature institutional placement of the patient.

• Set realistic goals.
  Balancing work, family, and time for themselves is difficult. Determine priorities, and turn to other people for help with some tasks.
  
  
• Find time for yourself
  Even if it’s just an hour or two, you need time to relax and collect your thoughts. This will help relieve both mental and physical stress.
  
  
• Join a caregiver support group
  Check the newspaper or local library to locate one in your area. Sharing experiences with others can help you manage stress, locate resources, and reduce feelings of isolation.
  
  
• Talk to a professional
  The clergy, social workers, psychologists, and nurses are often trained to provide counseling on caregiving issues. Help may also be available through your employee assistance program.
  
  
• Take advantage of respite care
  Respite care is a service that provides temporary care for an older person. Respite care may mean help with a specific task or having health care providers care for your relative at home or in an extended care facility while you go on vacation.