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Congestive heart failure (CHF) happens when the heart muscle is unable to effectively pump blood to other parts of the body. It can be caused by high blood pressure, certain infections, emphysema, and coronary artery disease. Symptoms of CHF may include weakness, excessive coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, and swollen ankles. While some CHF patients experience only mild symptoms, others may be very ill and unable to live independently at home. If you have CHF and experience severe symptoms, consider the following benefits an in-home care provider can offer. 

Edema Interventions

CHF patients often experience swelling caused by water retention. This is known as edema, and it can be very uncomfortable. If the edema is in your legs and feet, it may be difficult for you to stand or walk, and if you have abdominal edema, breathing may be difficult. If you are too weak or sick to manage your edema, your in-home care provider can help. They can make sure that you keep your legs elevated and that you take your prescribed diuretic medication to help discourage fluid retention in your soft tissues.

If your physician has recommended that you follow a fluid restrictive diet, your in-home care provider can make sure that you receive the specific amounts of fluids that your doctor has recommended. Fluid-restrictive diets are often recommended for CHF patients because consuming large amounts of liquids could cause fluid overload and put you at risk for further heart problems.

Physical Therapy

It is important that CHF patients exercise as much as they can. Exercise helps promote optimal lung and cardiovascular function and it may help stave off the progression of congestive heart failure. Because of this, your physician may recommend participating in a physical therapy program to help relieve your symptoms and improve your energy levels.

If you are too tired to travel to the physical therapy outpatient center, your in-home caregiver can assist you with your therapeutic exercises. They will stand close to you while you are doing your exercises so that you do not fall. On nice days, your doctor may recommend that in lieu of performing your physical exercises in your home, you go outside and take a leisurely stroll with your caregiver to get the benefits of both fresh air and aerobic exercise

If you have congestive heart failure and need assistance, consider the above benefits an in-home healthcare professional can offer you. When you no longer are burdened with the stress of living alone without assistance, you may feel stronger and more likely to anticipate the future with more hope and excitement.

For more information about in-home care, contact a local company.