Heart Failure: Support Can Make Life Easier

Connecting with others is a big part of a meaningful life. And it can make the difference between a good day and a bad day.

Sometimes, living with heart failure can feel like too much for one person to handle.

But you don't have to face your challenges alone. You can strengthen the connections and support in your life. Keep reading to learn how.

Think about what could help

Take a little time to think about what kind of help you might need most. Emotional support? Help with self-care tasks? Housework?

It's important to consider what you really need. That's because people can do or say things they think are helpful, but aren't that helpful to you. So you might need to give them a little guidance.

"I have a friend online and we team up and help each other 'be good.' We share recipes, prepare for restaurant meals, and report on any walking or activity." —Claudia

"I used to always say, 'I don't need anything.' It was a source of pride. But I've started saying, 'A little help with the yard work would be great.' It's nice to finally be able to accept a little help. Because we all need it—at some point or another." —Ken

Your thoughts

What could you use help with? (Think about things that would be nice to have help with, not just things you can't do alone.)













What makes it hard to ask for help?













What good could come from getting better at asking for help?













Prepare to ask

It can be hard to ask for the help and support you want or need. But sometimes it really is up to you to ask.

Often people want to help but they're not sure how. You may consider how others have helped you in meaningful ways in the past.

And then listen for people around you who seem to be trying to ask how they can help.

"I make a list of things my grandchildren can help with when they visit. I post it on the fridge and they just get to it whenever they come visit. I don't have to openly ask every time, which is a relief for me." —Bo

Your thoughts

Who might be able to help you?










When might be a good time to ask?










Continue to express yourself

Anytime you express how you feel or what you need, it's an opportunity to strengthen a relationship. When you're honest with others, it's easier for others to be honest with you.

When you feel misunderstood, or lonely, or unsupported, what if you told somebody?

Sharing your feelings, needs, and thanks will probably bring you closer to the people around you. It may also make day-to-day life a little easier.

Your thoughts

If you shared your feelings or needs more often, what might the benefits be?































How could you thank those who help you?































"My partner reminded me several times a day to take my pills. It felt like nagging. So we agreed that she'd make a gesture to signal 'take your pills'—only after it was clear I'd forgotten." —Lionel