Hospice Care for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

How hospice can support patients with CHF

In recognition of American Heart Month, the team at Knute Nelson is committed to spreading awareness about hospice care for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Today, over six million people are living with CHF in the United States alone. It is the leading cause of hospitalization for those aged 65 or older and often results in complications such as liver or kidney damage.

That’s why we’ve addressed some of the most common symptoms of CHF below while exploring the benefits of hospice care for loved ones nearing end-stage CHF.

Understanding the symptoms of CHF

The first step to receiving specialized care for CHF is understanding the most common symptoms. Oftentimes, concerned family members are the first to notice these symptoms in a loved one. From there, seeking out a professional medical opinion is key.

In many cases, shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a warning sign of CHF. From a patient’s perspective, dyspnea feels as if you aren’t getting enough oxygen from a normal breathing pace. This symptom is most apparent while walking, talking, or lying flat. Certain lifestyle choices can also be an indicator, such as preferring to sleep in a raised bed or recliner.

Swelling (edema) is also a common warning sign, especially in the lower extremities. This is the result of the heart pumping blood ineffectively, leading to fluid backups. Additional warning signs include general fatigue, weight gain, and limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Knowing when to consider end-of-life care for CHF

Whether for yourself or a loved one, decisions surrounding hospice care are often uncertain and overwhelming. For those who have yet to undergo an assessment from their healthcare provider, knowing what to look for isn’t always clear.

For individuals with advanced CHF, recurring trips to the hospital or ER may signal a decline in overall health. At the same time, even basic tasks such as eating or personal hygiene may become too much. In severe cases, fatigue and shortness of breath may leave an individual bedridden and fully dependent on comprehensive care. If one or more of these circumstances apply to you or your loved one, it may be time to consider hospice care.

Benefits of hospice care for CHF

At Knute Nelson, hospice care goes beyond pain and symptom management alone. To ensure holistic care and quality of life for those we serve, our hospice team includes registered nurses, home health aides, therapists, social workers, trained volunteers, and more. In turn, we deliver a coordinated care experience with specialized support for people with heart failure.

We proudly offer an array of life-enriching services such as healing touch, therapeutic music, massage therapy, and more to maximize the comfort of our hospice patients.
With families at heart, we also offer 13 months of bereavement support to help navigate the grieving process. Along the way, we strive to educate those we serve to ensure the highest possible quality of care.

Take the first step to hospice care at Knute Nelson

As you explore your options, our hospice assessment can help. In just a few minutes, you can clarify your decision-making process. Upon completion, we can also connect you with a member of our hospice care team for additional questions and information.

For those struggling with advanced CHF, we are here to support you. Visit our website or give us a call at 1 (855) 938-4081 when the time is right.