Having a partner or relative diagnosed with heart failure can be a confusing time for you and your loved one. Doctors may ask your partner or relative to modify their lifestyle and habits by:
- undergoing examinations, treatment and taking many different medicines
- paying closer attention to their body
- stopping smoking
- modifying their diet
- adapting their activities, such as taking regular exercise or resting more
- trying to reduce stress.
These types of changes can be hard and overwhelming because they often require breaking long-held habits and thinking about many different things at once. But this can be made easier with the help and support of family and friends. As a caregiver, you will play a key role in this and are likely to have the greatest impact on their success in following their new treatment and lifestyle plan.
However, you may also be required to make changes to your lifestyle and habits. By helping to support your partner or relative, you may find the time you have to carry out your usual activities, such as your job, spending time with your children or grandchildren and attending social groups, may be reduced.
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