Below are some additional resources for caregivers to explore.
The below booklets were designed to provide structured support and skill development for caregivers of people living with heart failure and LVADs. Caregivers can review these booklets on their own for background information, tips on self-care and stress management, caregiving task help, and activities and problem-solving resources. These are meant to help caregivers in their day-to-day lives and caregiving role.
Charting Your Course Booklets for Caregivers of People Living with LVADs:
Patient resources that may be helpful for caregiver education, as well:
MyLVAD.com: Community and Resources for LVAD Recipients and Caregivers
Heart Failure Society of America: Heart Failure Educational Modules
American Heart Association: Recognizing Advanced Heart Failure and Knowing Your Options
American Heart Association: Animation of Heart Failure
American Heart Association: Self-Check Plan for Heart Failure Management
American Heart Association: Healthier Living with Heart Failure: Managing Symptoms and Reducing Risk
Guides to living healthy:
American Heart Association: Healthy Living
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Eating for Healthy Weight
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How To Reduce Sodium in Diet
MyPlate.gov: Diet Resources
Exercise Guidelines: Being Active When You Have Heart Disease
Caregiving stress and ways to cope or manage stress:
CaregiverStress.com: Signs of Caregiver Stress
The Caring Generation: Spousal Caregivers and Caregiver Resentment
Age Wise Solutions: Coping with Stress
Home Care Assistance: How to Prevent Caregiver Stress
American Cancer Society: Caregiver Series, Stress Management: Video
Cognitive Restructuring for Tackling Cognitive Distortions
Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Video
Lukin Center: 5 Surprisingly Effective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises
Family Caregiver Alliance: Relaxation for Caregivers, Mindfulness Meditation: Video
Zen Caregiving Project: Mindful Caregiving Education Explained
Kind Ethics: Getting Caregivers to Ask for Help
National Institute on Aging: Share the Care, Caring for Yourself
The Caring Generation: Caregiving, When Families Don’t Get Along