Cardiac Rehabilitation for Heart Failure
Published in NJ Heart and Lung News
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the leading cause of hospitalization in seniors. In CHF, also called Chronic Heart Failure, the heart is weakened and cannot pump blood effectively.
CHF is not a death sentence, but it must be treated early and effectively. A variety of medications, including beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors are used in treatment of CHF, but lifestyle changes are also important. In fact, lifestyle changes can even reverse CHF.
What are the lifestyle changes that can make a difference? Eliminating tobacco and alcohol, restricting salt, being physically active, getting adequate amounts of quality sleep, and managing stress are important. However, they are easier listed than done. Unlearning bad habits built over a lifetime is no easy task.
The best way to establish these therapeutic lifestyle changes? According to an article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation programs improve both quality-of-life and clinical outcome in patients with CHF.
A cardiac rehabilitation program such as the program offered at the NJ Heart and Lung Center will™ includes carefully guided exercise, as well as extensive support for therapeutic lifestyle changes.
While it was once thought that exercise was bad for people with CHF, today we know the answer is more nuanced. In order to help, not harm, a CHF patient, the exercise must be carefully controlled and monitored by knowledgeable therapists, who communicate regularly with the patient’s doctors.
A team approach, that incorporates physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare personnel, is proven to be the most effective way to help people with CHF effect all the changes required to lead a healthy life.
At the NJ Heart and Lung Center™ of Regency Jewish Heritage, you will have an individualized plan, proven to prevent readmission to the hospital, and to improve your independence.
Regency Jewish has partnered with the area's leading cardiologists and pulmonologists to create a program that:
- Reduces hospital readmissions and patient length of stay
- Maximizes ability for patient to regain ADL skills and independence
- Offers 24/7/365 physician coverage through on-site staff and advanced telemedicine program
- Has an on-site sleep study program to unlock Medicare benefit for Bipap utilization upon discharge
- Offers STAT availability of Labs, X-Ray and other diagnostic tools
Our Outcomes & Capabilities include:
- Cardiologist and pulmonologist on site daily for immediate intervention
- Specialized rehab & nursing protocols developed in partnership with leading cardiologists & pulmonologists
- A plan proven to prevent readmission to the hospital and improve patient independence and functionality
- Regular Communication Between Patient, Family, Staff & Physicians
- Collaborative care planning with other physician & therapy specialists
- Advanced staff education & training
- Transitional care nurse & enhanced discharge-to-home process
- Follow-up home visit within 24-48 hours
- Educational material provided to patients & families
Regency prides itself on offering the very best of care in a patient-centered environment. This means always listening to our residents and patients and respecting their capabilities, while helping them to achieve maximum functionality and independence. And always maintaining the highest professional and quality standards in our staff and our facilities. Our 25 years of excellent care have led to us being awarded a Best Nursing Homes award by US News & World Today, a 5-Star rating by USA Today, and an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, among many other awards. Contact us by clicking here.