We do it without even thinking, tens of thousands of times each day. In fact, you’ve done it two or three times just in reading that first sentence. For most of us, breathing is so natural and easy, we hardly give it a thought. But for those with COPD, it’s a whole different story. The shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing that accompany the disease can be frightening. And often, those with COPD are reluctant to engage in activities that may further aggravate these symptoms.
If you’re providing care for a loved one with COPD, what’s the best way to help him or her maximize quality of life? Nightingale’s Arizona home care professionals suggest the following:
- Encourage activity. Strong muscles take the stress off of the lungs and make everyday activities easier, but to strengthen muscles, it’s important to use them. With the doctor’s approval, encourage your loved one to remain as involved as possible in enjoyable activities, such as taking a walk together or other doctor approved activities.
- Clear the air. Ensure that your loved one’s environment is free from pollutants and irritants like strong smelling cleaning products, and especially cigarette smoke.
- Note triggers. Keep track of details surrounding occasions when your loved one’s symptoms worsen: times of day, activities leading up to the symptom exacerbation, environmental factors, etc.
- Attend appointments. Accompanying your loved one to medical appointments allows you to take note of the doctor’s recommendations to ensure everything is captured and to share any concerns. Watching rehab sessions can also help caregivers better understand exactly what the person with COPD is able to accomplish as well as goals to continue working towards.
- Get help. Trying to provide solo care for a loved one with COPD can quickly become overwhelming. It’s best for both the caregiver and the patient with COPD to enlist the help of trusted family, friends, neighbors or a professional home care agency such as Nightingale Homecare.
If your senior loved one struggles with COPD, our trusted Arizona home care services can be a tremendous help. We offer a full range of supportive private care, such as:
- Preparing nutritious, delicious meals
- Shopping and running errands
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation and accompaniment to appointments
- Medication reminders, and more
In addition, our medical services are available for those who need help with complex treatments like oxygen therapy, ventilator/respiratory services, infusions, inhalation treatments, and more, and our registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your comfort and peace of mind.
You can reach us any time at 602-504-1555 to learn more about how our Arizona home care can help improve quality of life for your senior loved one.
