Keeping Hearts Healthy at Home:
The Bronson at Home Heart Failure Program
Heart failure is a serious condition impacting millions of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 6.2 million adults in the United States had heart failure in 2020. In southwest Michigan, Bronson at Home offers a vital program to support patients managing heart failure in their own homes.
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body. Factors that can increase the risk of heart failure include:
- Medical conditions like coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and valvular heart disease
- Unhealthy behaviors like smoking
- Unhealthy diet high in fat, cholesterol, sodium
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Receiving Heart Failure Care at Home
The Bronson at Home heart failure program offers crucial support to patients who are back in their own home after a hospital stay due to new or worsening heart failure. Patients are supported by a team of healthcare providers, including nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists, all designated as "heart failure champions.” Paul, a patient currently enrolled in the program, says: “I am very impressed with the care I receive from Bronson. From the at-home care to the amazing staff, I can't recommend them enough. My nurse always comes when she says she will, and I really appreciate that.”
Program Goals
The Bronson at Home heart failure program focuses on helping patients manage their condition and live fulfilling lives at home. Patients learn how to:
- Recognize and report signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure to their physicians
- Monitor weight trends and fluid buildup
- Manage cardiac limitations while engaging in safe and healthy activities
- Manage their medication
- Read food labels and maintain a heart-healthy diet
Patients are given the tools they need to manage their health at home, which lowers the number of times they are readmitted to the hospital due to heart failure. “Patients can experience psychological trauma when they have to make an emergency visit,” says Bronson at Home physical therapist, Shiva Ram Boda. “This program helps prevent that from happening.”
Take Care of Your Heart
Contact Bronson at Home at (269) 245-3676 to learn more about how enrolling in the heart failure program may benefit you or a loved one. You can also learn about many other heart and vascular services Bronson offers across the region at bronsonhealth.com/heart.
