Randy Travis to Receive Long Term Care After Heart Failure


Famous country singer Randy Travis has been through a rash of medical disasters this month, necessitating months of rehabilitation and long term care.

Hospitalization and Stroke

After suffering from viral cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure earlier this month, Randy Travis was hospitalized at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano in Plano, Texas. Just a couple days later, after being weaned off of life support, Travis suffered a stroke, requiring immediate brain surgery to relieve inter cranial pressure.

The congestive heart failure that Travis suffered was due to viral cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a condition that weakens the heart, causing it to fail without external support. The symptoms usually do not present themselves suddenly, but in a slow manner, over time. Although some cardiomyopathy can be attributed to lifestyle decisions, Travis’s was caused by a viral infection in the heart.

Dr. Michael Mack, the medical director of cardiovascular disease at Baylor Health Care System in Dallas, suggested that the specific condition was likely due to genetics and family history. Travis’s sister-in-law spoke to People magazine, saying, “Their mother passed away at an early age with her heart, so it is like these boys are following right in their footsteps.”

Chronic Condition

A doctor at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano confirmed that Travis is conscious, awake, and interacting with friends and family. He will remain at the hospital for a few more weeks until his heart is stabilized and doctors feel comfortable releasing him to an inpatient facility.

Although Travis has already begun the early stages of rehabilitation, including taking new medication and participating in physical therapy, his road to recovery is not a short one. His viral cardiomyopathy, although initially an isolated virus, is now a chronic condition that needs regular monitoring.

“We anticipate it will take months to recover from the stroke,”  said Dr. Gary Erwin, an intensivist at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.

Preparing for the Worst

Like Travis, many Americans are often hit with a sudden illness or debilitating condition that leaves them unable to perform daily tasks on their own. Whether it is heart failure, a stroke, a bad fall, or a chronic illness, medical emergencies often catch us at the worst time.

If you end up needing care after you leave the hospital, it’s important that you have a financial plan ready. Inpatient facilities, like assisted living or nursing homes, cost anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the services and location. Outpatient care, like in-home health aides, are cheaper, but still costly.

Long Term Care Insurance provides a way to help cover the high cost of long term care, thereby safeguarding your assets from depletion in long term care situations. Affordable policies are available to help protect against the risk of needing care, so you receive quality care in a comfortable environment.

LTC Tree’s independent agents can help you compare different policies and weigh the options, finding you the best coverage for the lowest rate. Fill out the form to the right if you are interested in a quote today. Long Term Care Insurance provides a financial buffer in times of medical need, so you aren’t caught off guard by the high cost of care and you can focus on what really matters.