5 million Americans have heart failure.
1.6 million heart failure patients have a caregiver in their homes.
AAHFN is Caring for the Caregiver.

To highlight the importance of caregiver health and the role they play, AAHFN is launching a series of awareness initiatives to remind caregivers that their needs are also important. Heart Failure Awareness Week kicks off the year-long awareness initiative by providing tip sheets and resources for the caregiver.

Did you know that nearly 5 million Americans have heart failure? Of those individuals, 1.6 million people with heart failure have a caregiver in their home, assisting them with daily activities like bathing, administering medication, managing bills, shopping and cooking.

It's very common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed by the added responsibilities of caring for a loved one with heart failure. In fact, many caregivers feel unprepared in their new role and often place the needs of their loved ones before their own needs.

AAHFN is helping to provide Care for the Caregivers of heart failure. Being a caregiver can be very rewarding, but it can also lead to physical and emotional stress. One of the greatest risks for caregivers is becoming ill themselves. It's common for caregivers of heart failure patients to have high rates of sleep problems, depression, anxiety and loneliness. However, some may hide or minimize these feelings in order to protect their loved one.

When caring for a loved one with heart failure, it's important to know that you are not alone!

Consider the following activities to help manage emotional issues -

• Recognize the things you cannot change. Remember that we only can control the change within ourselves, not others.
• Do not feel guilty when you take time for yourself. Whether it is an hour per day or a whole weekend, set aside time for yourself. Failing to do this may result in negative feelings and anger towards your situation and your loved one.
• Set goals in your role as caregiver but also in your personal life. Goal setting can help provide structure to your current situation and help avoid that feeling of “losing control."

AAHFN offers these 6 simple steps to get started: CARE HF

• Care for yourself: Eat a healthy diet and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night. It will allow you to be a better caregiver.
• Be Active: Go outside and walk for 30 minutes every day or at least several times per week. Fresh air can make you feel better, sleep better and reduce stress.
• Reclaim some time for yourself: Read a book. Go to church. Get a haircut. All of these can make you feel better.
• Engage others: Look for family, friends or neighbors to help you. Besides easing your burden, your loved one may appreciate the company.
• Have Pride: Be proud of what you are doing and the courage it takes to do it.
• Find resources: Know where you can go to learn more about heart failure, caregiving, or both.

Please remember, as a caregiver, you are an essential partner in managing heart failure, and we applaud you!

Please download this resource page for additional tips and information to help Care for the Caregiver

	8.5" x 16" Heart Failure Facts Click on image to download & print	5.5" x 8.5" Click on image to download & print	4.25" x 5.5" Click on image to download & print

Sponsors of AAHFN's 2013 Heart Failure Awareness Week include:

Arbor® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an Atlanta, GA based specialty pharmaceutical company which currently markets prescription products for cardiovascular and pediatric disorders.

Medtronic is the world's largest medical technology company, offering innovative therapies that alleviate pain, restore health and extend life.

Interested in becoming an official sponsor of AAHFN and its programs? Contact Pete Pomilio at ppomilio@ahint.com

AAHFN would like to thank its official partners of Heart Failure Awareness Week for helping us raise awareness.

Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA)

The Heart Failure Society of America, Inc. (HFSA) represents the first organized effort by heart failure experts from the Americas to provide a forum for all those interested in heart function, heart failure, and congestive heart failure (CHF) research and patient care.

View HFSA's Heart Failure Awareness materials.

Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is a leading resource on cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. Learn about HRS's Sketcher App, an educational tool that helps facilitate a dialogue with patients regarding sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)

Established in 1986, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association is the nation's largest and oldest professional nursing organization dedicated to promoting excellence in palliative nursing care. View additional caregiver and patient resources including down loadable tip sheets.

Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)

The Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) is the leading nursing organization dedicated to preventing cardiovascular disease through assessing risk, facilitating lifestyle changes, and guiding individuals to achieve treatment goals. Learn about the PCNA Prevention Challenge and a chance to win $5,000.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)

Our mission is to find ways to prevent and cure pulmonary hypertension, and to provide hope for the pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy and awareness.View additional caregiver resources including support groups, articles, videos and webinars.

Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC)

The Society is an international not-for-profit organization committed to leading the fight to eliminate heart disease as the number one cause of death worldwide. Purchase magnets, pins and more to help promote Heart Failure Awareness Month.

Check out the Summer 2012 issue of The Connection which focused on Healthy Communication for Caregivers and Heart Failure Patients