If you help a parent, spouse or friend with their heart care, you are part of the care team. The most helpful things you can do are keep a current medicine list, track symptoms, come to key visits and know when to call 911. This guide covers the basics for families using FCCI's Palatka office.
Keep one medicine list
Write down every medicine, the dose and when it is taken, including vitamins and over-the-counter pills. Update it after every visit and hospital stay. Bring it to every appointment. This one page can prevent a lot of mix-ups.
Track symptoms simply
- Shortness of breath and when it happens
- Swelling in the feet or legs
- Dizziness or falls
- Chest discomfort
- Changes in weight
- Wounds on the feet that are slow to heal
A notebook on the kitchen counter works fine. Bring it to visits.
Cath lab and test days
- Plan to drive; patients cannot drive home after a cath
- Expect most of the day: 1 to 3 hours for the procedure and 1 to 5 hours of recovery
- Follow the fasting rules closely
- Bring something to read; start times can shift
If they are admitted
FCCI provides coverage at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your loved one is admitted, ask for a physician from First Coast Cardiovascular Institute. After discharge, schedule a follow-up at the Palatka office and bring the discharge papers.
Take care of you, too
Caregiving is real work. Ask the office about TeleVisits for some follow-ups to cut down on driving. Ask questions until you understand the plan. And make sure you know the warning signs.
As a caregiver, know when to skip the office. Chest pain, labored breathing, fainting or stroke signs like a drooping face, arm weakness or garbled speech mean calling 911. Do not try to drive your loved one in.
Questions to ask at your visit
Caregivers, consider asking:
- Who do I call with questions between visits?
- Which symptoms should I watch for?
- Can some follow-ups be TeleVisits?
- What are the rules for cath lab day?
- How do I update the medicine list?
Care close to home in Palatka
Caregivers often like working with a local team. Cecilia Pitts, APRN, has lived around Palatka most of her life and nursed at Putnam Community Medical Center, and Kortney Winkleman, APRN, grew up in Putnam County.
The front desk is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can help you line up visits, test instructions and insurance checks for the person you care for.
Why patients choose FCCI
If you are the one doing the driving, a Palatka appointment is a big relief. Short trips mean fewer missed visits and less time off work for you.
Most of the people caregivers bring in are on Medicare or another major plan FCCI accepts, like Medicaid of Florida, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare or Tricare. Some follow-ups can be TeleVisits, which can save you a trip.
Juggling appointments for someone you love? Call 386.325.2836, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or request a visit online, keeping medical details for the call.
