Module 7 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction Helping with Symptom Monitoring Helping with Diet Recommendations Helping with Activity and Exercise Other Ways to Help with the Treatment Plan Teaching Good Self-Care Behaviors Helping with Daily Activities Emotional and Social Support Other Ways to Provide Support Care for the Caretakers Learn More About Heart Failure

Care for the Caretakers of Persons with Heart Failure

Family and friends who assume responsibility for caring for someone with advanced heart failure can run the risk of feeling overly burdened by the demands of such care. Your own quality of life or health can suffer as a result. For this reason, it is important for you to take care of yourself too. You can do so by:

• Taking advantage of resources offering social and emotional support for family members and friends, so you have an opportunity to speak freely about your feelings, concerns, and frustrations.
  
  
• Arranging for assistance with your care-giving duties. Some hospitals or organizations can provide "respite care" service, so that someone can provide expert care for several hours a day on a routine basis to give the usual caregiver a rest.
  
  
• Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well-balanced meals.