Although heart disease is responsible for the most deaths nationwide, only 12% of hospice patients have this admitting diagnosis. Arbor HeartCare offers valuable services that help people with end-stage heart disease live more comfortably at home supported by a specially trained health care team.

Our Integrative Team Approach

The Arbor HeartCare program understands that heart disease limits ordinary activities of daily life. Our goal is to help people with advanced cardiac disease control symptoms, maximize their quality of life and provide reassurance to lessen fear and anxiety.

Arbor Hospice case managers and nursing staff have received advanced training in end-stage cardiac care. Our nurse practitioner is specially trained in the treatment of the cardiac patient and our medical director is Hospice and Palliative Care board certified. People benefit from living more comfortably with relief from pain, shortness of breath and the sleeplessness, anxiety and depression that commonly develop.

Program Benefits Include:

• Advance care planning: Patients and families are prepared and have peace of mind.
• Active medical management: Patients continue to receive appropriate medication and medical treatments.
• Medical equipment and supplies: All equipment and supplies related to the cardiac diagnosis are provided free of charge and are delivered directly to the patient saving time that otherwise could be spend with the patient. Medications can be delivered to and managed in the home, including inotropic medication administration.
• Round the clock availability: Patients and families have access to our 24-hour on call nursing support
• Family education and instruction: Online, print and face-to-face instruction increases the patient's ability to cope with illness and mitigates family concerns.
• Physician involvement: Cardiologists and attending physicians work in synergy with the hospice team, patient and family to provide active medical management.
• Symptom management: Avoid hospital readmission and decrease patient and family anxiety.
• Clinical nurse certification: All Arbor Hospice staff receive advance training and certification on the care of end-stage heart disease.

Eligibility

People who have been diagnosed with end-stage heart failure are eligible for the program. When the person experiences ongoing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and/or pain, or frequent hospitalizations with optimal therapy, call Arbor Hospice for an evaluation. Arbor HeartCare is available to residents of southeast Michigan residing in their own homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, The Residence of Arbor Hospice or the hospital.