Your Elderly Relative Has Had a Heart Attack - How Does This Impact Long-Term Health and Care?

A heart attack in seniors can be a devastating experience for both the individual who is going through it and their loved one. It can also have long-term implications for an elderly relative's health and care plan. If your senior loved one has suffered from a heart attack, it is important to take into consideration a variety of factors when planning his or her future care.

Here's what you need to know about heart attack in seniors and how to handle care in the long term.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Elderly Relative Has a Heart Attack

Immediately after a senior suffers from a heart attack, they will likely need urgent medical attention at the hospital. This is regardless of whether the symptoms were mild or severe. Most seniors will need medications, therapies, cardiac rehab, and other treatments for recovery. This is in addition to lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise habits. All of these treatments will work together to reduce the chances of experiencing another heart attack in the future.

Long-Term Health and Care Issues 

The long-term consequences following a heart attack in seniors may depend on how significant an impact the condition had on the patient's overall well-being including age, fitness level prior to having the episode, etc. The most common disorder experienced by those with coronary artery disease (CAD) is angina. This can lead to other conditions like stroke or peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Cardiac rehabilitation programs might be recommended in order to help seniors adjust back into daily life more easily. This can also help prevent any risk of further intervention/problems associated with CAD-related conditions. 

It is essential that family members support their senior relative during this time. They can help ensure that seniors adhere closely to prescribed medications by doctors and don't overdo any activities. They should also take care to feed seniors healthy meals and provide plenty of emotional support.

Caregiving Responsibilities 

Taking over primary responsibility for seniors who have recently suffered from cardiac problems can present unique challenges. This can range from determining what type of follow-up care needs they require to helping them stay socially active. Caregivers will need to stay attuned to their loved one's needs during this time, monitoring their progress and chatting with them frequently to see if there are any changes.

Consider In-Home Caregiving Services

When a senior suffers from a heart attack, it is essential that family members understand the long-term implications of this condition for their senior relative's health. Exploring resources available for providing holistic care solutions can help. In-home caregiving services are another way for families to stay confident that their senior loved one is being taken care of at all times.

Senior Helpers Fargo can help you ensure that your senior is safe and secure, with premium in-home caregiving services for seniors in the Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Valley City, and Wahpeton areas. Contact us today to learn more!