Understanding Heart Failure Symptoms in Long-Term Care

Target Audience: Social Service Designees and Activities Directors in Kansas Long-Term Care Facilities

Overview

Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. In long-term care (LTC) settings, especially among older adults, recognizing the early and ongoing signs of heart failure is critical. Social Service Designees (SSDs) and Activities Directors (ADs) play a vital role in resident support and engagement, making their awareness of this condition essential for timely intervention and improved quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Heart Failure

Fatigue: Persistent tiredness can limit participation in social or physical activities.
Shortness of breath: Especially noticeable during activity or when lying down.
Swelling (Edema): Most often in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat: May be experienced as palpitations or fluttering.
Weight gain: Sudden gain may indicate fluid retention.
Persistent cough or wheezing: Especially if producing white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
Increased need to urinate at night (nocturia).
Confusion or impaired thinking: A sign that the brain is not receiving enough blood.

Relevance to Social Service Designees

SSDs are often involved in psychosocial assessments and resident advocacy. Monitoring mood, energy levels, and participation can help identify early signs of heart failure or worsening symptoms. SSDs also support communication with families and coordinate care conferences, where observations about heart failure symptoms should be shared with the interdisciplinary team.

Relevance to Activities Directors

Activities Directors help maintain resident engagement and emotional well-being. Fatigue, breathlessness, or swelling may reduce participation in activities. ADs should modify activities to accommodate physical limitations and report changes in resident behavior or appearance to nursing staff promptly.

Communication and Observation Responsibilities

Report any new or worsening symptoms to the nursing team immediately.
Note any behavioral changes, like withdrawal or disinterest in activities.
Support documentation by contributing observational notes when appropriate.
Encourage residents to communicate discomfort or concerns.

Kansas LTC Guidelines

Per Kansas Administrative Regulations, interdisciplinary care planning is required for all residents. SSDs and ADs must contribute to this process through direct observation and collaboration with nursing and medical staff. While not clinical roles, these positions are critical to identifying and escalating concerns that may indicate a worsening heart failure condition.

Conclusion

By understanding heart failure symptoms and remaining attentive to changes in residents’ physical and emotional states, Social Service Designees and Activities Directors contribute significantly to early intervention and improved outcomes in long-term care environments. Ongoing communication and awareness are key.

Sources: American Heart Association, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)