Lifestyle changes after a heart attack or stroke can be overwhelming for the person who is healing.
When someone you love experiences a stroke or heart attack, you will likely want to focus on a list of steps that can be taken to make sure that the damaged heart heals. You will also want to address the lifestyle choices that contributed to the heart attack and make the appropriate lifestyle changes after a heart attack. Advanced Home Health Care’s experts in elderly care in Burlington and the nearby areas often receive calls from families looking for a list of actionable items – to-do lists for care and heart health. In a scenario filled with chaos, lists give caregivers a sense of control. They are the handbook for a caregiver’s new way of life, helping them know what they can do to foster healing and prevent another heart problem.
That information is available, and when coupled with our in-home care services, makes a tremendous difference in a patient’s outcome. However, there is an additional side to the person’s healing that is frequently overlooked. After surviving a heart attack or stroke, patients are often overwhelmed with changes. The to-do list that provides peace of mind and a sense of order for the family members is often an entirely new set of rules to live by for the individual needing care, and will likely restrict or reshape former lifestyle choices. The lifestyle changes after a heart attack or stroke may cause anger, frustration, fearfulness, or temporary depression.
What Are the Warning Signs of Clinical Depression?
If clinical depression is suspected, it is crucial to inform a physician. Following are telltale warning signs to help you detect clinical depression:
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Weight or appetite changes
- Sleep changes – either insomnia, especially waking in the early morning hours, or oversleeping
- Feeling agitated and restless or feeling sluggish and physically slowed down
- Self-loathing displayed by strong feelings of worthlessness, or harsh criticism of perceived mistakes and faults
- Difficulty with focusing, making decisions or remembering things
Dealing with change and making it possible for your loved one to attain a sense of normalcy after a heart attack or stroke isn’t easy, but our experts in elderly care in Burlington and the surrounding areas can help. You are not alone. We are here, and we have the knowledge, tools, compassion, and training you need to best help someone you love.
If your loved one is dealing with lifestyle changes after a heart attack or stroke, let Advanced Home Health Care help in the setting of your choice: your residence, an assisted living facility, a nursing home, or a memory care facility. For more information about our home care services, or for help determining the level of home care your loved one requires, reach out to us at 800.791.7785.
