caring heart condition [SajithSam].pdf

If you live with, or are caring for, someone who has a
heart condition, you may find this booklet helpful. It may
also be useful for other members of your family and for
friends. It looks at:
• what has happened to the person you are caring for
• how to help them develop a healthy lifestyle, to reduce
their risk of further heart problems
• how to help them to get back to normal and encourage
them to be independent
• financial help for carers, and carers’ assessments
• the emotional aspects of caring for someone and how to
cope if things are difficult, and
• who to contact if you need help or support.

Contents

About this booklet .......................................................................... 4
Are you a carer? ............................................................................... 5
What has happened to the person you
are looking after? .............................................................................6
Tests and treatment ....................................................................... 9
Becoming the carer ..................................................................... 13
How to help the person you look after to
protect their heart ....................................................................... 17
Getting back to normal and encouraging
independence ............................................................................... 27
Financial help and carers’ assessments ............................... 29
The emotional aspects of being a carer .............................. 32
Sexual activity ................................................................................ 43
Heart support groups ................................................................. 45
How your support can help...................................................... 46
Heart attack? Know the symptoms… and what to do ... 47
What is a cardiac arrest?............................................................. 49
For more information ................................................................. 55
Index ................................................................................................. 61
Have your say ................................................................................ 63