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Caregiver Challenges and Rewards
Colleen K. McIlvennan, DNP, ANPAssistant Professor of Medicine
University of Colorado
Caregivers
• Caregivers help a person with heart failure live as well as possible with the disease
• Caregivers come in all different forms– Spouse– Child– Friend– Parent
Caregiver Roles
• Go to doctor appointments• Help with daily activities• Help with diet and exercise• Help with medications• Watch for symptoms of heart failure• Provide emotional and social support
Challenges
• Caregivers have reported feeling:– Stress– Anxiety– Burden– A lack of support
“I’ve never felt caregiving was my gift…I tend to feel like I’m being imposed upon at times…that you are being called upon.”
--caregiver of a patient with heart failure
Rewards
• Caregivers have reported feeling:– Gratitude– Satisfaction– Fulfillment– Thankfulness
“It was some of the most blessed time we had together. It really was. It ended up being such a blessing.” --caregiver of a patient with heart failure
Coping for Caregivers
• Take care of yourself!– Get enough sleep – Exercise regularly– Eat well-balanced meals– Ask for help– Join a support group
Support for Caregivers
• Websites:– Heart Failure Society of America (hfsa.org)– American Association of HF Nurses (aahfn.org)– American Heart Association (heart.org)
• Local Resources:– Ask your doctor or nurse about support groups and
other help that may be available
Questions?