If you need cardiac (outpatient) rehab your cardiologist will prescribe a program. Typically, it’s advised that you wait 4-6 weeks after surgery before you begin.
This structured program offers medical support and assistance in making heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle. Through cardiac rehab, you’ll participate in exercise monitored by a medical professional, and receive nutrition and psychological counseling. Research shows that patients who complete cardiac rehab are more likely to be alive in five years than those who do not participate in the program.
Cardiac rehab is covered by Medicare for eligible patients.
Learn more about cardiac rehab from the American Heart Association.
As you recover, you may find it valuable to engage the services of a home care nurse or aide. Not only can these trained professionals assist with personal care (hygiene, wound care, etc.), they can also assist with pain management, driving, errands, etc.
Your hospital care management or social services team can assist you with home care. Here are a few online resources available from the hospitals we work with.
Banner Health Home Care
Northern Arizona Health Care - Care Beyond Our Walls
The Patient Guide to Heart, Lung, and Esophageal Surgery from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons
https://ctsurgerypatients.org/
Educational Handouts from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons
https://www.sts.org/patients/patient-resources
Extensive Library of Heart Procedure Videos
https://www.ctsnet.org/videos/cardiac
Heart Valve Surgery Resources for Patients and Caregivers from a Patient
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/
The American Heart Association Support Network
https://supportnetwork.heart.org
Caregiver support from The American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Support/Support_UCM_001103_SubHomePage.jsp
A Guide to Understanding Wills & Trusts from the State Bar of Arizona
http://www.azbar.org/legalhelpandeducation/consumerbrochures/willsandtrusts
Before Surgery: Essential Estate Planning Tips from LegalZoom
https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/before-surgery-essential-estate-planning-tips
State of Arizona Advance Directives
The Arizona Advance Directive Registry is a free registry to electronically store and access your medical directives. There is no fee, but the processing time is 3 weeks.
https://www.azsos.gov/services/advance-directives
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