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Do LVAD Recipients Qualify for Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
People who receive an LVAD, or left ventricular assist device, often qualify for assisted living. You may find you have more energy and less shortness of breath after having an LVAD implanted to treat advanced-stage heart failure. Each assisted living community offers unique services, so it’s important to find an assisted facility that aligns with your health needs.
You’ll have to remain in the hospital for 2 to 3 weeks after the LVAD implantation procedure. Your surgical team will help you safely discharge and transition home or to assisted living.
How can assisted living help me or my loved one with an LVAD?
Care providers can help you with medication management if you take prescriptions for heart disease and other chronic conditions. For example, people who have an LVAD typically need blood pressure medications, blood thinners and diuretics.
You might also have to adjust your daily activities after an LVAD. Assisted living offers the support you need to make this lifestyle transition successfully. The care providers can help you with mobility, nutrition and exercise. Once you recover, you should be able to drive, swim, walk and even travel as long as your health care provider says you’re ready.
Most people with an LVAD say their quality of life improved after this procedure. Your doctor may recommend an LVAD either as a long-term treatment or as a short-term solution while you await a heart transplant.