Caregivers of people with COPD are important
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive lung disease that causes inflammation of the airways and difficulty breathing.
There is no cure for COPD, but the disease and its symptoms can be effectively treated.
Caregivers make a big difference. She:
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They help with medication
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They encourage healthy activities
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You notice warning signs related to deteriorating health
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They make it easier to get the care you need.
Managing medication is crucial
People with COPD may have to juggle many medications. Everyone may have different schedules and management arrangements.
You could help:
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Monitoring medication schedules
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Administration of doses
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Collaboration with inhalations and inhalation techniques
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Administer injections (after you have been trained)
Promote rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the best methods to improve breathing, endurance and quality of life.
But patients can become unmotivated, forget, or lack access to transportation.
Caregivers can promote rehabilitation:
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Planning or providing transport
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Setting up telerehabilitation sessions
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Do rehabilitation exercises at home with your loved ones
Protection through prevention
For someone with COPD, a respiratory infection is a serious risk. Prevention is the best protection.
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Encourage the use of masks
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Keep sick people away
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Keep the house clean and well ventilated
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Make sure vaccinations are up to date (for yourself and the person you care for).
Balance of independence
Sometimes supporting means taking a small step back.
Regular physical activity helps your lungs function better. And independence is helpful in making people feel better.
But too much effort can be a problem, so try to maintain a balance.
Encourage your loved one to do what they can and stay close to them to help them if they can’t do something.
Dealing with inequalities
For some people, COPD is even more difficult.
People of color have less access to pulmonary rehabilitation.
Telemedicine is not as accessible to Black, Latino, elderly, female and low-income patients, even if they want to use it.
Caregivers can raise awareness, ask about resources and options, and advocate for the rights of the people they care for so they can receive better care.
Watch for signs of worsening COPD
The first sign of COPD worsening is an increase in symptoms, called a flare-up.
People with COPD often underestimate their situation, which is why it is important to seek medical help quickly.
Care includes looking for signs of a COPD crisis or flare-up.
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More difficulty breathing, coughing, or phlegm
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Unusual tiredness
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Confusion or disorientation
If you notice these signs, try to seek medical attention immediately.
Process emotions
When you care for someone who has trouble breathing, it affects you. Many caregivers have strong emotions.
You could feel:
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impotence
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fear
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uncertainty
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Fear
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depression
Make sure you have a clear action plan to control COPD attacks. You also need support so that you can tell someone what is happening to you.
Avoid burnout
Caring for someone with COPD requires a lot from you. Burnout is a real danger.
Taking care of yourself is not optional.
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Join a support group
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Prioritize good sleep, exercise, and regular medical care
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Ask for help
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Take breaks
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Use resources that provide relief, because family caregivers also need care
Features
American Lung Association: My COPD Action Plan
COPD Foundation: My COPD Action Plan
This educational resource was created with support from Chiesi, Sanofi and Regeneron.