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?