Guidance and Care For Caregivers
Caregivers need care too. That’s why, while you’re supporting their journey, we’re here to support yours, with one-on-one guidance and connection to the resources you and your loved one need.
Caregiver Information
As a caregiver, you’re more than just a shoulder to lean on — you are a beacon. Helping us to provide better heart, lung and vascular care. Giving us a clearer view into who our patients are and how we can best serve them. And when it comes to extending whole-person care at home, you are the most important part of the equation: the one who encourages a system toward better health, recovery, a stronger heart, and a better life for you both.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A CAREGIVER
Driver. Friend. Errand runner. Personal chef. As a caregiver, you wear a lot of hats. Here are some things you might expect in your role:
- Scheduling and driving to and from doctor appointments
- Advocating for your loved one by communicating with our medical team and the insurance company
- Keeping patients on their strict medication schedules
- Helping them follow dietitian orders through grocery shopping and meal preparation
- Providing assistance with everyday tasks they may not physically be able to perform themselves, like bathing, using the restroom, and getting dressed
- Acting as a point of contact for friends and family
- Managing finances
- Helping them care for their post-surgical needs
- Holding them accountable for taking care of their heart health
Helpful Tips For Caregivers
Being a caregiver is a balancing act. Responding to your loved one’s needs requires all of you. But remember, your health is just as important. You must take the time to care for yourself as well. Here are some tips to help stay centered.
- Ask for help when you need it and accept help when it's offered
- Be realistic about what you can and can't do
- Ask your employer about paid leave
- Look for caregiver resources in your area, whether it's meal delivery or transportation assistance
- Stay on top of your own health
- Keep routine doctor's visits
- Eat well
- Exercise regularly
Resources
Our Locations. Your Options.
As integral pieces of the largest heart, lung and vascular institute in Florida, every one of our Central Florida locations contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute network. Explore your options with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.
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Programs and Services To Put You At Ease
Having all the important tools and access to programs at your fingertips can help you create an even more supportive environment for your loved one. Here are some resources to help you encourage community and provide them with support, information, and hope on the journey.
Mended Hearts - This national community-based nonprofit offers a space for peer-to-peer support for families, patients, and caregivers. From hospital visits to advocacy, Mended Hearts has a variety of programs designed to improve your quality of life.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab - Our cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs are designed to maximize your health by providing education, lifestyle management, and exercise plans for helping you achieve balance. Work with a caring team of certified specialists who employ a whole-person approach to rehabilitation.
Heart Success Center - The goal of the Heart Success Center is to keep heart failure patients healthy longer. A team of nurses, dietitians, social workers, and others provides effective, evidence-based care to help patients safely transition from the hospital back into the community.
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