American Heart Month: Caring for the Hearts of Patients, Caregivers, and Families

Caring for Every Heart, Including Your Own

February is American Heart Month, a time to pause and talk about heart health, not just for patients, but for the families and caregivers who support them every day.

At Team Select Home Care, we specialize in private duty nursing and long-term care for medically complex pediatric and adult patients. Heart conditions are a significant part of the care we provide, 27% of the patients we serve have a diagnosed heart condition.

Our nurses are trained to care for complex medical needs at home. But we also know something else to be true: when you’re caring for someone you love, it’s incredibly easy to put your own health last.

This Heart Month, we want to speak directly to parents, caregivers, and family members, because your heart matters, too.

When Caregiving Comes First, Your Health Often Comes Last

Families caring for medically complex loved ones are focused on medications, appointments, equipment, routines, and constant vigilance. In that daily rhythm, your own health can quietly slip to the bottom of the list.

Stress, lack of sleep, skipped meals, and little movement can add up over time, especially when caregiving is a long-term reality.

The tips below are not intended for medically complex patients or to replace provider guidance. Instead, they’re designed to support caregivers, parents, and loved ones with simple, realistic ways to be more heart-aware in everyday life.

Heart Awareness for the Whole Family Starts with Small Routines

You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul. The biggest wins often come from small, repeatable habits that fit into real life.

A Simple Heart-Healthy Grocery List (For a Busy Family)

When your kitchen is stocked with better options, caring for yourself becomes easier… even on hectic days.

Easy, Go-To Healthy Kitchen Staples

Produce (fresh or frozen):

1. Leafy greens (spinach, spring mix)
2. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots
3. Berries, apples, oranges, bananas
4. Frozen vegetables (plain or steam-in-bag)

Whole grains:

1. Oatmeal
2. Brown rice or quinoa
3. Whole-grain bread or tortillas

Lean proteins:

1. Chicken or turkey
2. Fish (salmon, tuna)
3. Beans and lentils (canned is fine, rinse to reduce sodium)
4. Unsalted nuts (small portions)

Dairy (or alternatives):

1. Low-fat yogurt
2. Milk or calcium-fortified alternatives

Flavor without extra sodium:

1. Olive oil
2. Vinegar, mustard, salsa
3. Garlic, pepper, salt-free seasoning blends

Caregiver reality tip: If cooking feels like too much, choose “better-busy” options; rotisserie chicken, bagged salads, frozen vegetables, or microwavable whole grains.

Why Caregivers Should Pay Attention to Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, which means it can go unnoticed, especially when you’re focused on someone else’s care. Checking your blood pressure at home can be a simple way to stay informed.

How to Check Accurately

1. Rest quietly for a few minutes
2. Sit with back supported, feet flat
3. Support your arm at heart level
4. Stay still and quiet
5. Take two readings about one minute apart

Tip: Keep your cuff and a simple log in one place. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Everyday Habits That Support a Healthy Heart (For You)

Supporting your heart doesn’t require extremes, just consistency.

Here Are A Few Habits That Add Up:

1. Add a fruit or vegetable to each meal
2. Choose whole grains more often
3. Use herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices instead of extra salt
4. Move your body a little each day, even short walks count
5. Prioritize sleep when possible
6. Take short moments to breathe, stretch, or reset

These habits are meant to support you, not add pressure to an already full plate.

Gentle Activity Ideas for Busy Caregivers

You don’t need a gym membership to support your heart.

1. Walk while on phone calls
2. Stretch or move during TV time
3. Dance to a favorite song
4. Try light strength or balance exercises a few times a week

The goal isn’t intensity, it’s staying connected to your body.

How Team Select Home Care Supports Medically Complex Heart Care

While the tips above are for caregivers and families, Team Select Home Care provides skilled, one-on-one nursing care for patients with complex heart conditions. Depending on the plan of care, our private duty nurses may support:

1. Ongoing cardiac monitoring and observation
2. Medication administration and education
3. Coordination with providers
4. Long-term, consistent care in the home
5. Reduced caregiver burden through reliable clinical support

Our role is to care for patients, so families can focus on being family.

Looking Ahead: CareSightAI and Heart Health Innovation

We’re also investing in the future of home-based care.

CareSightAI, Team Select’s predictive analytics platform, is expanding with heart-related insights as a future focus. While still in development, this work reflects our commitment to AI for Good – using technology to help identify early changes and support safer care at home.

Because Caring for Yourself Is Part of Caring for Them

American Heart Month is a reminder that every heart in the home matters; patients, parents, caregivers, and loved ones alike.

If your family relies on private duty nursing or long-term care for a medically complex child or adult, Team Select Home Care is here to support you.

Contact Team Select Home Care to learn more about our private duty nursing services and available care options.

Because when care is shared, no one’s heart has to be overlooked.