Assist Living Benefits For CHF Residents
If you have congestive heart failure (CHF) and are unable to live alone because of shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, or fluid retention in your limbs, consider an assisted living center. Depending on whether you need only a temporary stay while you recover from an acute episode of CHF or if you are seeking permanent residence, an assisted living center can offer you the following benefits to help you manage your congestive heart failure and live a more productive and active life.
Dietary Management
Your primary care physician may recommend a special diet if you have congestive heart failure. Some people with CHF need to follow low-sodium diets to help prevent edema, which is caused by fluid retention. CHF patients may also require fluid-restrictive diets to help prevent fluid buildup around the heart. The dietary staff at the assisted living center will ensure that you get the proper diet as directed by your physician. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the dietary department will also provide you with nutrient-dense snacks to boost your nutrition and energy levels between meals.
Skin Care Interventions
People with congestive heart failure often develop circulation problems, which can raise the risk for skin problems such as bedsores and stasis ulcers of the ankles and feet. The nursing staff at the assisted living center can monitor your skin condition for signs and symptoms of circulation problems such as hair loss on your legs, unusually cold skin, a bluish tint on your fingernails and toenails, and open skin wounds, especially on your ankles and soles of your feet. If your skin inspections reveal abnormalities, the nurse will call the physician.
If you are incontinent of urine and stool or if you are unable to get to the bathroom because of fatigue or shortness of breath, the nursing staff can assist you. They will take you to the bathroom throughout the day, and if you wear adult incontinent garments, the staff will change the garments and clean your perineal area after each incontinent episode. Maintaining clean and dry skin helps discourage skin breakdown in people with CHF and other circulation disorders.
If you have congestive heart failure and are unable to live independently, call an assisted living center and speak to an admissions coordinator. They will answer your questions, and if requested, will set up an appointment for you and your loved ones to tour the facility.
For more information, contact a local assisted living facility.