Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it typically should. When this occurs, it can cause blood to back up, as well as cause fluid to build in the lungs. While there can be a number of different causes of congestive heart failure (CHF), life expectancy with CHF depends largely on the severity of the condition. Proper treatment and lifestyle changes can improve quality of life. The below information for CHF patients provides helpful insights. Additionally, palliative care and hospice care can help patients to manage pain, discomfort, and stress caused by the illness. Palliative care is for those actively seeking treatment and hospice care is for those nearing the end of life.

• Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms and Causes
• Tips for Living with Congestive Heart Failure
• Comfort for CHF Patients Should Begin at Diagnosis
• Can Internet Hacks Help My Uncle Living with CHF?

Additionally, here are some hospice and palliative care financial resources for CHF:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Private Insurance

Community CHF resources near you.

While there are many different national congestive heart failure resources available to patients and their families, there may also be local resources, both at the state and city level. These resources include help for caregivers, in-person and online meet-ups and support groups, food programs like Meals on Wheels, and more. We recommend you conduct further research to see what CHF information and resources are near you. You can also explore the Crossroads website here to find services in your state.

CHF resources for patients’ families.

Whether you are the caregiver of someone with congestive heart failure, or simply a loved one of a patient, the situation can cause significant stress. The following resources and information can help caregivers and family members who are supporting their loved one with congestive heart failure.

• American Heart Association – Help for Caregivers
• Crossroads Caregiver Resources
• CaringInfo
• National Alliance for Caregiving - Resources
• Caring Bridge
• Crossroads Grief Support

Additional Congestive Heart Failure resources.

If you would like more information on congestive heart failure, including patient care, and comfort care options, you can contact Crossroads 24/7. We are available by email, phone, or live chat to answer any questions you may have.

Browse additional CHF hospice and palliative care resources below:

• Congestive Heart Failure End-of-Life Signs
• End-Stage Heart Failure: What to Expect
• 5 Quick Points about Congestive Heart Failure
• CHF Hospice Eligibility Criteria
• Palliative Care: Controlling CHF Fluid Levels

(Please note that Crossroads does not endorse any of the organizations linked above. Patients and their families should conduct their own research before making any healthcare decisions.)