Having a heart attack is an individual experience in the physical perspective, however recovery can be simplified and quickened with the help and support of a loved one. Dependent upon the severity, recovery from a heart attack can take from a few weeks to a year or more. During the recuperative process enlisting the assistance of a loved one can promote cardiac wellness in a number of ways, most importantly by the removal or deflection of stress.
Helping a loved one recovery from a heart attack encompasses a variety of areas – diet, exercise, stress reduction, assuring medications are taken properly, and that Doctors appointments are kept. Helping a loved one with these tasks can give them a chance to catch their breath so to speak,from the ordeal which they recently encountered. This may seem like an enormous undertaking, but if properly organized these necessary measures to good health become habit.
Heart attack recovery for the patient will probably mean major changes in lifestyle, which in and of themselves can be frustrating and frightening. New drugs will most likely be prescribed complete with side effects and a million questions from the heart patient. A loved one can organize medications, make inquiries on behalf of the patient, and assure that concerns are met in a timely fashion to the patient’s benefit. All of this can take as little as 5 to 10 minutes daily, and can make a World of difference to your loved one.
Helping a loved one recover from a heart attack includes redirecting the stresses away from the patient, and handling some of their daily requirements if they will allow it. House cleaning, shopping, yard maintenance, and laundry all need attention, and a loved one can certainly provide much needed relief. This does not mean the loved one is enabling the creation of an invalid, just helping their loved one through a rough stretch.
Slowly over time as the patient regains stamina and strength, some of the responsibilities accepted by the caregiver can be returned to the patient incrementally. Of course, some patients will never fully recover to the health they possessed prior to the heart attack, but as far as they are able to, they should retake control of daily activities. Helping a loved one with heart attack recovery should also include assistance with a long-term maintenance program to ensure a repeat of the episode is prevented if possible. This may be as little as helping the patient select a healthy diet or occasionally inquiring as to their general health and wellness. At the least, helping your loved one recover from a heart attack will give them the emotional support they require to help themselves.
