What Emotional Impact Can a Heart Attack Have on Your Senior?
When most people think of a heart attack, the first thing that comes to mind are chest pain and tightness. You may even think about the fatigue that can come with a heart attack or the lasting damage to the heart. As a family caregiver, it is important to recognize that while the physical effects of a heart attack can be extensive and long-lasting, the emotional impact of a heart attack can be serious as well. A heart attack is a severe medical emergency and many who experience these encounter a wide range of emotions. By understanding this impact you can better connect with your parent during their recovery and recognize the role you can play in helping your parent to confront and deal with these emotions in a way that is healthy, constructive, and meaningful. Not only will this help them to experience better mental and emotional well-being throughout and after their recovery, but it can help them to focus more on their physical health needs as well.
Some of the emotions your parent might experience after they suffer a heart attack include:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Anger
- Resentment
- Worry
- Hopelessness
- Relief at survival
- Gratitude
It is important to talk to your parent about these emotions and encourage them to acknowledge them. Being honest and upfront about their emotions is the first step in dealing with them in healthy ways. Talk to their doctor about their mental and emotional health, and look for support groups designed for people who have gone through these challenging times. This will help them to feel acknowledged, heard, and give them a place where they can talk about and work through their emotions with others who understand what they are going through.
As a family caregiver, you want what’s best for your senior.
This often means worrying about their physical health and well-being and making sure their needs are met. It is important to remember, however, that your senior’s needs aren’t necessarily limited just to their physical issues. If your senior has recently suffered a heart attack, they are likely also experiencing a serious emotional impact as well.
Elderly care can make a tremendous difference for your parent as they work toward coping with emotional impact and moving forward in a healthier and more constructive way. An elderly home care services provider can offer a wide range of highly personalized services, designed specifically to help your parent make good life choices, fulfill their personal care needs and activities of daily living on a regular basis, and experience as much independence as possible as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Caregiver in Highland Park, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
Source:
Heartinsight.heart.org
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