Resources For Caregivers

As a caregiver, it’s normal to feel isolated, at a loss and unsure of yourself sometimes.

Remember: You’re not alone. Others have been down this same path — and many are willing to share their experience and insights with you.

The American Heart Association wants to help you, too. The resources below can be indispensable as you care for someone who has heart disease or who has experienced a heart attack, heart surgery or a stroke.

• Communication tips: As a caregiver, you’re called on to communicate with many people. (The loved one in your care chief among them.) Constructive and effective communication is vital. Find helpful tips to communicate with your family and healthcare team.
• Emotional upheaval: As a caregiver, you have to be realistic about what can and can’t be controlled. You can’t control that your loved one has a chronic or progressive disease. You can’t control the impact of that disease. But you can control how you respond to the situation.
• Emotional support: Connect with other caregivers. Are you putting your own health and happiness on hold? Do you ever feel like you’ve “lost yourself” in your many caregiver responsibilities? You're not alone. It can be helpful to connect with those who have experienced the ups and downs of caregiving. They have valuable perspectives to share.
• What is cardiovascular disease? If you’re caring for someone with cardiovascular problems, it pays to know the basics. Learn about the different types of cardiovascular disease and how they affect the body.
• Patient worksheets: Download and print these information sheets covering topics such as cardiovascular conditions, lifestyle changes as well as treatments and tests.
• Order caregiver and other educational brochures: These AHA brochures and information packets can help you better understand all aspects of recovery and care.

Learn more about caring for someone:

• after heart surgery
• after a heart attack
• with heart failure
• after stroke