Care of someone with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Thu, 22/12/2011 - 9:40pm

For people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) even the most simple daily tasks can be exhausting.

Many people with COPD experience feelings of anxiety and hopelessness as they struggle for a breath.

There are many things you can do to lessen the anxiety and improve the life of a loved one living with COPD.

In this article:

Making daily tasks easier
Care of anxiety
Stick to routine care
Be aware of infections
Follow a COPD care plan
Encourage a person with COPD to exercise
Enrol in a pulmonary rehabilitation program

Making daily tasks easier

For someone with COPD even doing something as simple as showering and dressing can be exhausting. Carers can help by encouraging someone to do what they can whilst making life a little easier.

Using a shower seat whilst washing can help save energy for dressing. Simply laying out someone's clothes or keeping regular used items in easy to reach places can help someone with COPD.

Care of anxiety

COPD can make a person feel very anxious and depressed. People with COPD can become irritable, fearful of being left alone and frustrated they can't do things like they used to.

Coupled with the symptoms of COPD increased anxiety can cause a person with COPD to over breathe or hyperventilate. Ask a health professional how your loved one can avoid increased anxiety with controlled breathing techniques.

Give lots of reassurance to a loved one with COPD and keep an eye out for signs of depression.

Stick to routine care

Keeping a regular routine can help allay any fears or frustrations for someone with COPD. If you do hire outside care keep an up to date care plan outlining your loved one's routine and habits. Sticking to the one carer can also be reassuring.

Be aware of infections

People living with COPD are at risk of catching colds and flu. For a person with COPD a chest infection can lead to hospitalisation. Repeated chest infections can also further damage the lungs making it harder for people with COPD to breath.

Anyone with COPD should take care to stay away from people with colds. Ask a doctor about vaccinations for flu and pneumonia. Remember to take special precautions to guard against infection such as washing hands regularly.

Follow a COPD care plan

When visiting the doctor prepare a list of questions you want to ask and write everything down.

People living with COPD often have flare ups where the symptoms of COPD get worse. Some people with a COPD flare up require hospitalisation. This can be related to a trigger such as a chest infection, change in weather or fumes.

Knowing what to do when symptoms get worse and when to seek emergency help is important part of managing COPD.

A doctor will write an action care plan detailing the symptoms of a COPD flare up. The care plan will state what action to take when COPD symptoms get worse and at what stage to seek medical help. Keep this care plan in a known spot and explain it to any outside carers.

Encourage a person with COPD to exercise

Exercise has been shown to benefit people living with COPD. Exercise can help strengthen breathing muscles and improve a person's sense of well-being. Even a small amount of physical activity can be beneficial for people with COPD.

Maintaining a healthy diet can be a struggle for older people living with COPD. Try cooking and freezing meals for a loved one or organising Meals on Wheels. People with poor appetite may benefit from eating several small meals through the day.

Enrol in a pulmonary rehabilitation program

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs help people living with COPD live a more healthier and active life.

These programs can include education and exercise sessions, nutritional guidance and psychosocial support. Ask your doctor about a pulmonary rehabilitation program in your area.

Everyone with COPD can benefit from learning how to best manage their lung condition. Carers can also benefit from gaining more insight into how to care for a loved one with COPD.