Support for Caregivers
If you are a spouse, partner, son
or daughter, relative or friend of someone with coronary artery
disease you have a lot of company among individuals visiting
this website. Research shows that 57% of all health-related web
searches are done on behalf of a friend or relative.
Very often when someone is diagnosed with
a disease or told they will need to go into the hospital for
treatment, they are initially too shocked or too scared to
think clearly about their options. A support person can play
an invaluable role in helping a patient understand what is
happening, decide about treatment, prepare and recover.
Of course, you have your own fears and concerns.
Maybe you're worried that your spouse will become ill, unable
to take care of you. If you're a son or daughter, you may have
your own kids to take care of and feel over-extended by your
parents’ health problems.
Most importantly, you want to be sure your
relative is getting the best possible care.
The Caregivers section of Angioplasty.org
is intended to help you support and assist your family member.
It is designed to help you with your own needs as well. You've
already taken the first and most important step -- seeking
information. Knowledge about angioplasty and coronary artery
disease will reduce everyone's anxiety and allow your family
to make the choices that are best for you.
In the coming months Angioplasty.org will
look at the many ways friends and family can support individuals
with Coronary Artery Disease. Among the topics that will be
addressed:
- Gathering, Evaluating and Sharing
Information
- Dealing with Family Dynamics
- Participating and Advocating
- Helping with Post-Procedure Care
- Facilitating Future Wellness:
helping with rehab, diet, exercise, stress
- Caring for the Caretaker: keeping
yourself relaxed and well
You
can begin your visit here by exploring the following articles
in the Treatment section of Angioplasty.org,
in order to familiarize yourself with angioplasty and related
interventional procedures:
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Also, join our new Caregivers
discussion thread on the Angioplasty.org
Forum.
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