1. Caregiver Challenges and Rewards Colleen K. McIlvennan, DNP, ANP Assistant Professor of Medicine University of Colorado

2. Caregivers Caregivers help a person with heart failure live as well as possible with the disease Caregivers come in all different forms – Spouse – Child – Friend – Parent

3. Caregiver Roles Go to doctor appointments Help with daily activities Help with diet and exercise Help with medications Watch for symptoms of heart failure Provide emotional and social support

4. Challenges Caregivers have reported feeling: – Stress – Anxiety – Burden – A lack of support “I’ve never felt caregiving was my gift…I tend to feel like I’m being imposed upon at times…that you are being called upon.” --caregiver of a patient with heart failure

6. Rewards Caregivers have reported feeling: – Gratitude – Satisfaction – Fulfillment – Thankfulness “It was some of the most blessed time we had together. It really was. It ended up being such a blessing.” --caregiver of a patient with heart failure

7. Coping for Caregivers Take care of yourself! – Get enough sleep – Exercise regularly – Eat well-balanced meals – Ask for help – Join a support group

8. Support for Caregivers Websites: – Heart Failure Society of America (hfsa.org) – American Association of HF Nurses (aahfn.org) – American Heart Association (heart.org) Local Resources: – Ask your doctor or nurse about support groups and other help that may be available

9. Questions?