This February, a month known for the celebration of love and its most obvious symbol, also marks the 61st American Heart Month. Heart disease impacts people of all ages and can lead to serious health problems. The American Heart Association’s 2024 report on heart attack and stroke statistics shows that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world, accounting for 25% of U.S. deaths in 2024, and has been for 100 years! Sadly, fewer than half of adults in the U.S. are aware of this sobering fact, and the same percentage of people in the U.S. are living with cardiovascular disease though many may not be aware.
Key risk factors for heart disease are well known, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, age, and family history. Though we cannot control family history or age, risk reduction practices for factors within our control are also widely known, such as following a diet low in saturated and trans fats (as well as cholesterol and sodium), exercising, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use. Despite what we know, heart disease can affect anyone at any time and often with little warning.
For those managing heart disease – even without having experienced a medical crisis like heart attack or stroke – in-home care services like those offered by Granny Nannies of Miami provide significant benefits that can improve health issues and enhance quality of life.
Personalized Care and Monitoring
In-home care allows for customized health management plans that address the specific needs of heart disease patients. Caretakers can assist with medication management, monitor vital signs and symptoms that may arise, and ensure adherence to prescribed diet and exercise routines. This personalized attention helps in early detection of more serious health issues, allowing for prompt medical intervention.
Reduced Hospital Readmissions
A study highlighted by the American Heart Association found that patients receiving home health care after a heart attack had a lower risk of returning to the hospital. Having a Certified Nursing Assistant on hand to provide ongoing monitoring and an immediate response to changes that could lead to rehospitalization is a key to continued at-home recovery.
Comfort and Convenience
For individuals who are managing heart disease, in-home care can limit the need for frequent travel to doctor’s offices or hospitals, reducing physical and logistical challenges for patients and their families. And for those recovering from a cardiac event, doing so at home can have a positive impact on a patient’s emotional well-being by allowing them to heal in a quiet and familiar environment. Being in a known setting reduces stress and anxiety, factors that are crucial in the management of heart disease.
Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Habits
At-home caregivers play a pivotal role in promoting and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits essential for heart disease management. They can assist with meal planning and preparation to maintain heart-healthy diets and ensure patients have regular physical activity following doctor’s orders. Such habits are critical in managing heart disease and preventing its progression, and caregivers can provide the support and encouragement patients need to stay on the right track.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Having a dedicated caregiver in the home provides emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and depression that are common among heart disease patients. A positive emotional state can enhance recovery and contribute to better overall health.
Cost-Effectiveness
In-home care can be a cost-effective alternative to prolonged hospital stays or frequent readmissions. By allowing health conditions to be managed by a caregiver at home, patients may have fewer complications, reducing the need for emergency care or hospitalizations that can be very costly.
Granny Nannies of Miami provides effective, customized, in-home care services for the management of heart disease and recovery from heart attack or stroke. Our caregivers enhance patient comfort, support healthy lifestyles, and offer comprehensive care that is invaluable for optimal heart health and peace of mind.