Happy Black History Month! February also marks Heart Health Month. If you’re concerned about heart health or cardiovascular care, you might have many questions regarding the necessary care. Building confidence in caring for your elderly loved ones begins with understanding what care they need when diagnosed with heart disease. There are many heart conditions, some of which are classified by how they affect the heart’s structure or function. Caregivers should exercise extra caution when caring for loved ones with these conditions.
Little History of Heart Diseases
Heart disease is a broad term that encompasses conditions that affect the heart’s structure or function. It includes many similar conditions with underlying causes, such as blood vessel issues like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), congenital heart defects present at birth, diseases affecting the heart muscle, and valve disorders.
You Must Have A Doctor Or Practitioner That You Can Trust
Having a culturally competent healthcare practitioner you trust is fundamental to receiving adequate care and adhering to treatment. A trusting relationship between the caregiver and loved one ensures that sensitive information is heard and valued. When this occurs, asking questions about your loved one’s care becomes much more relaxed. A culturally competent healthcare practitioner listens and explains treatment and care in plain, simple language with empathy and respect. They also confirm concerns and fears rather than dismissing them.
Heart Disease Can Be Challenging
Health issues in our elderly loved ones can be challenging. However, working with the health care team on decisions and treatment for your loved ones becomes less stressful. I know this from personal experience. In the latter years of mommy’s life, I had to monitor her heart failure. Keeping a watchful eye on water intake, daily weights, ensuring medications were on board, and attending many doctor visits was a daily grind. I learned that consistency was the key to managing her heart disease.
If You Don’t Trust Your Provider
African Americans have a long history of not trusting the health care system. Medical mistrust among African Americans is a response to stories in history of racism, exploitation, and unethical treatment. We reference the Tuskegee syphilis study often because it was so profound. We have come a long way, but generational fear still exists. It is acceptable to change doctors if you do not feel respected or heard. Trust should never be reduced, but earned!
As your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, during February, may I challenge you to check your loved one’s heart health? It’s a new year, so call and make your appointments for the annual physical, and caregivers, you do the same. Your health matters too! Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous work, From the Lens of a Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflects her experiences and insights from her heartfelt caregiving journey.