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

Other Ways to Provide Support for Persons with Heart Failure

Financial Matters

Sometimes a person with heart failure may have trouble following his or her treatment plan because of financial barriers. If this is the case, friends and family can help by asking health care providers about financial assistance programs for:

• Hospital and outpatient clinic fees. The hospital social worker is a good source of information on state and federal programs.
  
  
• Medicines. Many drug companies have programs that provide medicines at reduced cost or free to low-income patients. But the application process can seem difficult to someone who is ill. Ask the patient's doctor or nurse about the programs, and help the patient fill out the forms.
  
  
• Durable medical equipment such as oxygen. Insurance may cover some of the cost. Ask the doctor or nurse for information.
  
  

Talking with the Doctor or Nurse

Talking with the doctor or nurse will help insure that the patient gets the best possible care. If the person with heart failure is not comfortable asking questions, family and friends can help.

But it is always a good idea to ask the questions in front of the patient. That way everyone hears the same information, and there will be less chance for misunderstanding. It also helps maintain the patient's trust in the health care team.

Discussing Advance Care Planning

While it may be difficult to discuss death and dying, everyone benefits by knowing the wishes of the patient. Patients and families should discuss among themselves what to do in the event of an emergency, especially one involving a heart attack. In addition, it is important to discuss topics associated with advance care planning such as a living will.

Sometime family members and friends may think it is better to remain quiet about advance care planning, because they do not want to rock the boat, or because they feel the patient has been through enough already. But in fact, many patients are relieved that someone is willing to talk to them about their desires related to death and dying. Knowing that everyone involved in making advance care planning decisions understands the patient's preferences can lessen the burden when decisions have to be made.

Communicating about advance care issues in a loving and caring way can help make these discussions easier. One way to begin talking about the topic is to tell the patient what you see or feel. For example, you can start by saying:

• "It seems like you are more tired than you were in the past. What can we do to make you feel better?"
  
  
• "What can we do to make your life easier?"
  
  
• "We want to make you as comfortable as possible, but we don't know what you want most. What should I/we focus on?"
  
  

Refer to Module 9: Advance Care Planning for more information on end-of-life care.