It’s American Heart Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of heart health and encouraging people to take steps to prevent heart disease, which is important for maintaining a high quality of life.
As individuals age, the risk of heart disease and related conditions increases. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, and underlying health conditions can make matters worse. The American Heart Association is celebrating its Centennial in 2024 with Bold Hearts and a vision for advancing health and hope for everyone everywhere.
The American Heart Association also came out with an infographic image to help people understand the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack and heart health as a whole.
Living with a heart condition
The majority of people who have experienced a heart attack or been diagnosed with a heart condition are given medication to protect their heart and reduce the likelihood of developing new heart issues.
Feelings such as sadness, anger, anxiety, loneliness, or confusion are common if you have just experienced a heart attack or have been diagnosed with a heart problem. These are typically transient emotions that go away in most cases as you get used to living with a heart condition.
It’s critical to understand that you have support systems in place to help you take care of your emotional and mental health and that you are not alone.
Living with a chronic heart condition
Heart disorders include a wide range of diseases that can impact the cardiovascular system. These diseases may include conditions such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.
These diseases may also require a lifestyle change as continuous management of these disorders is considered important to avoid complications and preserve the general health and well-being of the heart.
Assisted living communities can help residents develop heart-healthy lifestyle choices in these cases, like eating a balanced diet reduced in sodium and saturated fats, exercising regularly as much as their skills allow, and abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
The staff can also help by keeping an eye on vital signs, such as weight and blood pressure, to follow developments and spot any alarming changes.
When to move into an assisted living community
A big adjustment for some people might be moving into an assisted living facility, especially if they are managing a long-term medical illness like heart disease.
But, if you think about it, this can have several advantages, such as social support, medication management, and 24/7 care. However, it’s crucial to work with the facility personnel and healthcare providers to guarantee a seamless transfer.
According to many studies, assisted living can help improve a patient’s health condition.
This means that assisted living communities play a crucial role in promoting heart health among their residents. These communities provide a supportive environment where patients can access various resources and programs aimed at enhancing their overall well-being.
During American Heart Month, assisted living facilities often organize special events and activities to educate residents about heart health and encourage them to adopt heart-healthy habits.
How can assisted living help
Medication Management:
Assisted living can help with medication management. Keeping track of medications is essential for treating heart diseases in assisted living facilities. Multiple medications may be prescribed to patients to manage heart function, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Close collaboration between facility personnel and healthcare providers is necessary to guarantee drug administration is done correctly in adherence to prescribed dosages.
But lifestyle modifications are also important in controlling heart problems in addition to medication treatment.
Nutritional Support:
A well-balanced diet is crucial for heart health. Assisted living generally provides nutritious and healthy meals prepared by professional chefs. The menu normally features heart-healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Encouraging Social Support:
Encouraging social support in assisted living facilities can involve actively fostering a sense of community and belonging among residents. Social support has been shown to have a positive impact on heart health by reducing stress levels and improving mood.
Assisted living communities play a vital role in facilitating social connections among residents through a variety of activities and initiatives as these social connections are an integral aspect of the overall well-being of the patient, including heart health.
Assisted living communities foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents through these social activities and group outings.
Physical Fitness Programs:
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. Assisted living offers a variety of fitness programs tailored to the patient’s needs and abilities. These include low-impact aerobics and group walks, there are options suitable for individuals at every fitness level.
Educational Workshops:
One way assisted living communities support heart health is by hosting educational workshops and seminars led by healthcare professionals. Topics may include understanding heart disease risk factors, managing hypertension and cholesterol, the importance of regular exercise, and adopting a heart-healthy diet.
These sessions empower residents with knowledge and practical tips to make informed decisions about their health.
Promoting Stress Management and Mental Wellness:
Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Assisted living recognizes the importance of stress management and mental wellness in preventing heart disease. Activities such as meditation, mindfulness exercises, and relaxation techniques help residents reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being.
Why assisted living is considered the best option
Managing heart conditions in assisted living facilities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, facility staff, and family members working together to support the patient’s overall health and well-being.
By prioritizing medication management, promoting heart-healthy lifestyle habits, maintaining open communication, and being prepared for emergencies, assisted living facilities can ensure that patients with heart conditions receive the comprehensive care they need in assisted living settings.
By working together to raise awareness and foster healthy habits, assisted living communities contribute to improving heart health and overall quality of life for every patient.
Regular updates on the patient’s health status, medication changes, and any significant events or concerns ensure that everyone involved remains informed and can collaborate effectively to address the patient’s needs.