The frightening experience of suffering a heart attack or stroke can spur loved ones to put a plan into action to make sure a healthy lifestyle is in place to allow for healing and to prevent any future problems. Heaven at Home Senior Care often receives calls from concerned families seeking information on steps that can be taken for heart health, and we’re of course more than happy to provide whatever assistance we can.
In addition to providing heart health resources, our post-hospitalization in-home care services make a tremendous difference in a patient’s outcome. However, there is another side to the patient’s healing that is often overlooked. After surviving a heart attack or stroke, patients are often overwhelmed with changes. The ‘instruction manuals,’ which provide comfort and a sense of order for the caregivers, are often an entirely new set of rules to live by for the patient, and will likely restrict or redefine old lifestyle choices. The overall experience of the patient living this newly-modified life may result in anger, agitation, fearfulness, or temporary depression.
If clinical depression is suspected, it is important to notify a physician for assistance. Below are telltale signs to help you recognize clinical depression:
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Appetite or weight changes
- Sleep changes—either insomnia, especially waking in the early morning hours, or oversleeping
- Feeling “keyed up” and restless or feeling sluggish and physically slowed down
- Self-loathing marked by strong feelings of worthlessness, or harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes
- Trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things
Managing change and making it possible for your loved one to achieve a sense of normalcy after a heart attack or stroke is not easy, but Heaven at Home Senior Care helps families get there every day. You are not alone. The wheel does not need to be reinvented. We are here, and we have the tools, knowledge, compassion and training you can rely on to successfully get there too.
Count on Heaven at Home Senior Care, the experts in senior care in Denton, TX and the surrounding areas, to ensure a loved one’s needs are met following a stroke or heart attack. We can help in a variety of ways, including planning and preparing heart-healthy meals, assisting with light housekeeping and laundry, providing encouragement to participate in physician-approved exercise programs, and so much more. Call us any time at 866-381-0500 to learn more.