When many people hear the words, “heart failure,” they think of a heart attack – a complete failure of the heart. But heart failure is a condition in which the heart continues to get weaker and struggles to perform its functions. It can be due to another health condition or an inability to repair itself from previous damage such as a heart attack. With end-stage heart failure, the heart is too weak to pump blood through the body effectively. Hospice supportive care at home makes sure your loved one’s care is customized to her desires, faith, beliefs, and environment.
Like most chronic and progressive diseases, they are often measured in stages with each stage indicating a decrease in overall health. Heart failure has four stages, with the last one being end-stage heart failure.
Four Stages of Heart Failure
Stage A: In the first stage, the person is at risk of developing heart failure but doesn’t currently display any symptoms.
Stage B: During the second stage, a person begins to display symptoms of structural heart disease, has extra pressure in the heart, and has other risk factors.
Stage C: In the third stage, heart failure symptoms are present.
Stage D: In end-stage heart failure, a person will have severe symptoms of heart failure that interfere with daily life. They may have had repeated hospital visits due to their heart failure.
Symptoms of End Stage Heart Failure
The key component of end-stage heart failure is that the heart has become too weak to move blood throughout all areas of the body, so parts of the body begin to suffer due to poor blood circulation and begin to show symptoms such as:
- Fluids begin to build up in the legs, arms, and torso (edema) making these areas swollen and uncomfortable.
- It is tough to breathe. Your loved one may frequently be short of breath. In the beginning, it’s usually only when exerting herself but with progression, she is continually struggling to get enough oxygen.
- A frequent cough
- Feeling extremely fatigued all of the time
- Experiencing an irregular heartbeat as well as heart palpitations
- Fainting or becoming very dizzy when standing up
- Loss of appetite with nausea
- An unexpected weight loss or weight gain
- An inability to think clearly.
Providing Hospice Supportive Care for Your Loved One with End-Stage Heart Failure
It can be scary to know your loved one is in end-stage heart failure but there are steps you can take to help her be comfortable and still enjoy many of life’s wonderful moments. Working with her doctors will be the first step to determine what kind of care she needs and what the family can do to make her more comfortable.
Many families find that having someone come to the home to help with hospice supportive care for their loved one is a valuable resource that not only benefits the individual receiving hospice supportive care but benefits the family providing care as well. A hospice care team can help your loved one find the resources needed to provide comfort and support during this time. All of this while your loved one gets to stay in her home, providing security and peace for her as she stays surrounded by the people and things she loves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Hospice Supportive Care Services in Bellville OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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