Studies have shown almost 80% of heart failure patients report social isolation*. Learn more today about the causes of social isolation and how to have social outings.
Causes of social isolation:
- Fatigue
- Swelling in legs making mobility harder
- Complex medication regiments and the need to be near a restroom after diuretic
- Dietary restrictions
- Depression
Planning social outings:
- Plan rest breaks into your activities to help with fatigue.
- Use valet parking or adaptive equipment such as a wheelchair if you have long distances to walk.
- Ask your provider if they can adjust the timing/frequency of your diuretics to allow for activity (always ask, never change it yourself). Sometimes diuretics can be once a day, taken after activities.
- When going to a restaurant, eat low sodium at home prior to and order something small or just have a coffee while you socialize.
- Keep in regular contact with people, whether in person, over the phone, or computer. Join support groups such as Together in Heart Failure, AHA’s Support Network, or others.
Learn More Here: Socializing with Heart Failure
