Homebound with Heart Failure

Living with heart failure can come with abrupt changes to a patient's daily living. This can be caused following a planned surgery, sudden heart attack, or decline in heart function. Recovery following such events can also lead to patients becoming homebound. A cardiac event may limit one's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.

Homebound patients may require assistance to perform activities of daily living. The support of a caregiver, in-home nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and aides are often used to assist homebound patients.

However, being homebound can trigger anxiety and depression as a fear of the unknown begins to settle in. This can be especially concerning for heart failure patients. Anxiety and depression may lead to elevated blood pressures and increased heart rates while possibly increasing the risks of heart attacks and strokes. It is important for heart failure patients to find ways to cope with their feelings while being homebound.

There are a number of tools that heart failure patients can use to support themselves while homebound. Below is a list of some examples.

Homebound coping tools

Find a new hobby

Have you ever told yourself, I want to try reading more, pick up the game of chess, or master puzzles? Being homebound may be the perfect time to try something new.

Move more

Physical or occupational therapy may help with moving more. The use of resistance bands, support with walking, and stretch routines are all tools a therapist may use to support a homebound patient. This can be customized to each individual's needs. Speak with your medical team about in-home therapy services to help with moving more.

Manage the feeling of isolation

Become intentional about socialization. Contact a local community center, church, or your health insurance provider to inquire about in-home sitter or companion resources.

Find online support groups. Try not to limit this to social media. Use search engines to locate support groups such as heart-failure.net.

Look for app games that allow you to play against another player.

Engage in conversations with others who may be in or outside your home. Take initiative by contacting family and friends. Something as small as a five minute conversation may reduce the feeling of isolation.

Emotional well-being support

Incorporating therapeutic tools can support a patient's emotional well-being. This is often referred to as mental wellness or mental health support. Many use spiritual tools such as prayer or meditation. While others seek the assistance of a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Speak with your doctor to determine which of these may best support your goals.

This list is merely a suggestion. Please consult with your medical team before considering any of these tools.

Keeping it real, being homebound is not easy. Losing a sense of independence and freedom is difficult. However, in addition to the tools shared in this article there are many resources heart failure patients can use to shift the mindset.