How much aftercare is needed after first heart attack?

[BelleBoyd]

My mum is 82 and just had a heart attack. She lives alone just 10 minutes from my house. Will she be able to return home alone? Im not sure what care she might need or how independent she will be. Up till now she’s been super fit and is always out and about doing yoga and shopping.
Wondering what I can or should be thinking about preparing to do. She can’t stay at my house as it has steep stairs and no spare bedrooms. I’ve got 2 small children as well so don’t think she’ll want us moving in with her.
Was thinking about visiting everyday to help with cleaning and shopping. She already has a weekly cleaner.

It must depend on the heart attack and her general age and frailty. My dad had one when he was in his early 70s, and I can't really remember what happened. He had a couple of days in ICU, and I drove down to see him. I certainly didn't go to help him at his house, although we may have brought him to stay with us - though I can't remember that.

He went on to have another 20+ years living independently before moving up to be nearer us.

So I don't think you can go from general experience, you'll have to look at the particular experience of your mum.

It depends how it has affected her. I wouldn’t expect her to be as she was before.
Does she have the option of putting her bed downstairs ?

She lives in a flat so all one floor. She’s 82. She was very fit before this. Seems she’ll be in hospital a while longer as they’re doing more procedures. Just wanted an idea of what I might need to have in place for when she returns home.

There should be a discharge coordinator at the hospital who can arrange ot/ carers/ equipment such as walking frame etc if needed.

Dad had his first heart attack at 65. He was slim and had always been super fit, playing sports all his life.
It knocked him for six, big time! He was tired and had no energy for the whole of the following year. The difference was shocking and it was a long recovery.
With your Mum, it depends how severe the attack was and what/where/how much damage has been done to her heart. From my experience with my Dad, I would be expecting your Mum to need a lot of care. Hopefully you’ll have more idea when the hospital finish their procedures. As previously said the hospital should address any aids prior to her discharge.

She should get 6 weeks worth of care via the hospital social worker.