Pacemakers, which address cardiac rhythm issues and enable an active lifestyle, have completely transformed the quality of life for many seniors. But getting used to living with a pacemaker might be difficult. Seniors can move through this change with ease and confidence with support from loved ones and home care services, as well as following the tips below.
Understanding Pacemakers
A pacemaker is a tiny, battery-powered device inserted beneath the skin, usually close to the heart. It helps control heart rate by stimulating the heart to beat at a regular pace with electrical impulses.
The first step to getting used to living with a pacemaker is learning how it functions. Seniors can participate in educational opportunities provided by their medical team, which might also give them a chance to ask any questions they might have.
After-Surgery Care
It’s imperative that seniors carefully follow their doctor’s recommendations following the pacemaker implantation surgery. These instructions might include the following:
- Rest and Recuperation: Giving the body time to mend is important. Seniors should refrain from lifting heavy weights or doing intense activities for a few weeks. With home care by their side, they can gain assistance when they need it to ensure they’re getting the rest they need.
- Incision Care: To avoid infection, seniors should keep the incision site dry and clean. Showering and bathing should be discussed with the medical team to ensure they’re taking any necessary precautions.
- Monitor for Complications: Home care providers can help seniors monitor for unusual symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, prolonged exhaustion, or signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
Modifications to Lifestyle
A pacemaker may need to be used in conjunction with certain lifestyle modifications to maintain senior safety and the device’s optimal operation. When this is the case, the following recommendations may be added:
- Activity Level: Although most pacemaker users can lead active lives, seniors should avoid activities that require a lot of physical contact or could injure the chest.
- Electrical Interference: It’s also important to look for anything that could interfere with the pacemaker, such as strong magnetic fields, high-voltage machinery, or specific medical equipment. The medical team can provide a detailed list of safety measures.
- Pacemakers: Pacemakers shouldn’t interfere with seniors’ ability to travel. However, it is important for them to keep a pacemaker identification card on hand, let airport security know about it, and heed their doctor’s instructions about how to handle their device when traveling.
Emotional Support
Living with a pacemaker requires adjustments on both a physical and emotional level. With the support they receive from home care and loved ones, seniors should get the care they need, but it is essential to watch for mood swings, increased anxiety, and other signs that might point toward emotional stress.
Seniors who have pacemakers may need to adjust for a while, but with the correct knowledge, assistance, and lifestyle modifications, along with support from home care, they can lead long, healthy lives.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources today. Call (602) 443-4700
Home Care Resources is a top provider of home care services in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Care Free, Fountain Hills, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pacemakers/living-with
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention–treatment-of-arrhythmia/living-with-your-pacemaker
- https://forhearts.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-living-with-a-pacemaker-8-tips-to-follow/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pacemaker/about/pac-20384689
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