Conserving energy in the face of fatigue

Conserving energy in the face of fatigue

People with congestive heart failure (CHF) often tire easily, especially if they exert themselves. In CHF, the heart is swollen with fluids and cannot beat efficiently. The body's cells then become hungry for oxygen. If your loved one has CHF, you witness this in his or her fatigue, shortness of breath, and frequent naps.

Even with CHF, however, your relative needs to be physically active. Physical activity helps the heart muscle gain strength. It improves circulation. It helps with weight control, and, oddly, with reducing fatigue. Exercise also helps with depression, which is common in CHF.

Pacing is the key. Talk with the doctor about optimal forms of physical activity. Initially, walking, swimming, or biking may be recommended. As CHF progresses, simple tasks, such as taking a shower or cooking a meal, may qualify as exercise. Ask the doctor for a prescription to work with a cardiac rehab team to create an activity plan tailored to your loved one's needs.

Conserving energy. Think of personal energy as a tank of gas. With CHF, your relative has a small tank and needs to be "fuel efficient." Conserving energy when doing chores leaves more "in the tank" for doing things that bring joy and meaning.

  • Alternate periods of activity with periods of rest. Divide large chores into smaller tasks throughout the day or across the week.
  • Avoid rushing. It wastes energy.
  • Work smarter. Minimize trips up or down stairs. Cook large quantities of food and freeze for heating later. Instead of towel drying, slip on a terry cloth bathrobe after bathing.
  • Get help for mundane tasks. Have groceries and prescriptions delivered.
  • Create workstations that permit cooking, grooming, dressing, bathing while seated.
  • Use a cart or walker with a basket for carrying things from place to place.
  • Avoid bending or reaching. Use extenders.

Looking for ways to ease fatigue?

Give us a call at 704.945.7170. As the Charlotte Metro and Lake Norman experts in aging well, we at Caregiving Corner understand that quality of life is based on how much time your loved one can spend doing things he or she truly enjoys. Let us help you identify ways to conserve on chores so your relative can go full throttle on pleasant activities. 

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Jennifer Szakaly, MA, CMC, NMG的更多文章

  • How nutrition affects breathing

    How nutrition affects breathing

    Food and oxygen are the basic fuels that we need for the cells of our body to do their jobs. People with COPD have to…

    1 条评论
  • Pacing yourself

    Pacing yourself

    If you develop health problems—mental or physical—what happens to your loved one? Their well-being depends on yours. So…

    4 条评论
  • Financial/legal aspects of caregiving

    Financial/legal aspects of caregiving

    Look for financial support for caregiving Medicare doesn't pay for home care or other nonmedical support. You'll need…

  • Family Caregiving 101

    Family Caregiving 101

    Family caregivers typically spend four to five years caring for an aging relative. While gratifying, it can also be…

  • Flying with oxygen

    Flying with oxygen

    If your relative needs medical oxygen, it's crucial that you plan ahead for plane travel. From oxygen requirements to…

    3 条评论
  • Curbing your perfectionism

    Curbing your perfectionism

    If you are a perfectionist, you may have noticed that your high standards often backfire. Despite your best intentions,…

    2 条评论
  • Affordable funerals

    Affordable funerals

    We are all vulnerable to an upsell when we want to honor a deceased family member. Fortunately, the Federal Trade…

  • Physical therapy and pain relief

    Physical therapy and pain relief

    Pain is no fun, whether in a knee, a neck, or elsewhere in the body. There are drugs that dull pain.

    2 条评论
  • What is hoarding?

    What is hoarding?

    Perhaps you wonder if your family member is a "hoarder." (You may even harbor secret fears about yourself!) We all have…

    2 条评论
  • Senior move managers

    Senior move managers

    Does your loved one need to downsize? Move? Does the prospect seem overwhelming? Perhaps not just physically, but…

    1 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了