How Does Cardiac Rehabilitation for Seniors Help Their Hearts?
A heart attack is not only life-threatening—it’s frightening. When you’ve experienced a heart attack, it’s vital to take care of your cardiovascular health to prevent a second heart attack, which is why cardiac rehabilitation for seniors is so important. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, a second heart attack is often more dangerous than the first.
At East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, we offer the skilled nursing community in Greenville that can provide 24/7 medical monitoring and care for those who have had a heart attack, heart disease, or other cardiac conditions that need careful attention. When you’re unable to care for your loved one, let us provide the peace of mind you need. Take the next step to learn more.
We’ll take a closer look at cardiac rehabilitation for seniors, what it entails, when you would need it, and how long it may take.
How Does Cardiac Rehabilitation for Seniors Help Their Hearts?
Cardiac rehabilitation not only provides extensive medical supervision, but it combines exercise, education, and support to help manage and treat the following conditions:
The result is a healthier prognosis and support seniors need to help ensure they will follow through with their care plan outlined by their physician.
Some benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for seniors include:
Improving Their Condition
The specifically tailored exercise programs and routine physical activity go a long way toward heart health. It not only helps seniors manage blood pressure and cholesterol, but physical activity also strengthens heart muscle. This not only provides a better medical outlook, but it can reduce the chances of having a second heart attack.
Managing Medication
Recovering from a heart attack, stent placement or heart surgery typically involves taking an extensive array of medications, which makes medication management especially challenging. Our cardiac rehabilitation for seniors involves working closely with patients to ensure medication is taken as directed.
Providing a Greater Opportunity for Independence
Not all of our rehabilitation patients are permanent residents. Many, such as those recovering from a joint or hip replacement, are here to receive inpatient rehabilitation before being discharged home. A cardiac rehabilitation program increases strength and stamina, which in turn helps patients regain the ability to perform everyday activities. This gives them the best outlook for potentially obtaining their independence again.
Providing Emotional Support
There’s something about a heart attack or cardiovascular problems that can make you feel helpless. However, a strong emotional support system empowers you to take a leading role in your health. With support groups and counseling, cardiac rehabilitation for seniors can help those coping with the anxiety, depression, and stress that often follow a heart attack or cardiac event.
Customizing a Care Plan
There is no “one size fits all” guide to medicine. Each patient is treated with dignity as an individual. Nowhere is this more evident than with our medical team at our skilled nursing community in Greenville. Through customized plans, we’ll help ensure the safest and most effective path to recovery.
Educating Patients on Lifestyle Improvements
Do you smoke? Are you following a nutritious diet? Have you developed a regular exercise routine? We help our patients establish healthy habits and, more importantly, give them to tools they need to make them consistently a part of their daily lives.
When is Cardiac Rehabilitation Needed?
Earlier, we went over a few of the conditions that warrant cardiac rehabilitation. These include:
- Heart attacks
- Coronary artery disease
- Angioplasty or stents
- Heart failure
- Heart surgery (e.g., bypass or valve surgery)
What Happens During Cardiac Rehabilitation?
We’ll break down the rehabilitation process into several key elements. These include:
How Long Do Patients Stay in Cardiac Rehabilitation?
The duration of cardiac rehabilitation varies based on individual health status and recovery progress. Typically, programs last for about 12 weeks, but some may extend longer.
What Qualifies a Patient for Cardiac Rehab?
Generally, patients who have had a major cardiac event qualify for cardiac rehabilitation for seniors. These include:
Embark on Your Journey: Take the Next Step at East Carolina Rehab and Wellness
Cardiac rehabilitation is only one of our services offered. Through speech therapy, physical rehabilitation, and occupational rehabilitation, we enable our residents to enjoy their time at our skilled living community in Greenville with peace and dignity.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing quality healthcare services in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you’re seeking skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, or an engaging place for your loved one’s long-term care, East Carolina Rehab and Wellness is here to meet your needs.
Ready to take the next step? Speak with one of our care professionals to schedule a tour.