Mount Laurel, NJ (PRWEB) February 05, 2013
The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) is pleased to promote Heart Failure Awareness Week, to be held February 10-16. In 2013, AAHFN is dedicating Heart Failure Awareness Week (HFAW) to caregivers, heightening the awareness of the impact heart failure has on the caregiver.
Nearly one third of American homes have a caregiver providing daily assistance to someone with heart failure. A recent survey done by AAHFN, an association dedicated to advancing nursing education, clinical practice and research, indicates that the majority of caregivers are spouses caring for significant others. The association estimates that five million Americans have heart failure, all of which require a caregiver.
“Being a caregiver can be very rewarding but it can also lead to physical, emotional and money sacrifices, commonly known as caregiver burden,” said HFAW Task Force Leader Robin Trupp PhD, ARNP-BC, CHFN, FAHA. “Caring for a loved one with heart failure places extra demands on the caregiver, such as complex medicine schedules, the need for frequent office visits, changes in diet and limited physical activity due to fatigue or shortness of breath.”
The caregiver’s emotional health is affected more than any other area of their life including mental and physical. Caregivers have reported feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, worry and loneliness. However, caregivers may hide or minimize these feelings in order to protect their loved one and can ultimately become ill themselves. Caregivers have higher rates of sleep problems and depression, are at risk of serious illness, and are less likely to engage in preventive health measures.
The following symptoms can occur among caregivers and should be addressed immediately by a healthcare professional if present:
Caregivers often neglect their own health while meeting the needs of their sick loved one. However, the caregivers’ well being is essential in helping the health of the heart failure patient because they assist with activities of basic daily living, such as bathing, managing bills, shopping and cooking. Administering medication ranks high on the priority list of needs that caregivers fulfill.
To highlight the importance of caregiver health and the role they play, AAHFN is launching a series of awareness initiatives to remind caregivers that their needs are also important. Heart Failure Awareness Week kicks off the year-long awareness initiative by providing tip sheets and resources for the caregiver. Health professionals can download a greeting card made especially for caregivers of patients with heart failure, recognizing them for all that they do.
AAHFN offers the following tips for caregivers, to help manage stress and maintain personal well being:
*Drink caffeine and alcohol in moderation –never use alcohol or drugs to reduce stress
Sponsors of AAHFN’s Heart Failure Awareness Week include:
For additional Heart Failure Awareness Week resources and information, visit http://www.aahfn.org.
About AAHFN
The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) unites professionals in the support and advancement of heart failure practice, education and research to promote optimal patient outcomes. AAHFN is dedicated to advancing nursing education, clinical practice and research with the goal of setting the standards for heart failure nursing care. Find more information about AAHFN and Heart Failure Awareness Week by visiting http://www.aahfn.org and following the association on Twitter at @AAHFN.
We're here to help.
Call 1-866-640-6397
©Copyright 1997-, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
