Breathing is necessary for all people on this earth. We all know that. However, when breathing becomes tough for your elderly loved one, it could be a sign that they have an underlying health issue. Your elderly loved one could have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is important to learn all that you can about COPD if your elderly loved one does have this condition.
Defining COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes various conditions such as refractory asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. This condition does progress. This could happen slowly, moderately, or quickly. The person with COPD can feel breathless, have less elastic quality, and have mucus clogging their airway. If your elderly loved one has COPD, they might have chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing. There isn’t a cure for this condition. However, there are some tips for managing COPD. Some of these options include lifestyle changes, therapy, nutrition, exercise, and medications.
Elder Care and COPD
If your elderly loved one does have COPD, there are elder care services that could benefit them. The elder care providers can offer the support and help that your elderly loved one needs. They can improve your loved one’s quality of life. Depending on the needs of your elderly loved one, the elder care providers can help them out a couple of hours each week or every day of the week.
Some of the ways the elder care services can help your elderly loved one include the following:
- * Organizing the home and doing light housekeeping
- * Creating meal plans and preparing the meals
- * Doing grocery shopping
- * Going for walks or outings with your elderly loved one
- * Reminding your loved one to take their medications
- * Providing companionship
- * Helping your loved one get dressed or take care of personal hygiene
It can take your elderly loved one some time to get used to receiving these services. However, once they do, the elder care provider can help your loved one to be more comfortable and have a better quality of life.
COPD can progress quickly. If you suspect that your elderly loved one has this condition, be sure to schedule them a doctor’s appointment. If they are diagnosed with COPD, the doctor will create a management plan for your elderly loved one. Keep in mind that there isn’t a cure for COPD. This is something that your loved one will need to manage and live with. However, there are many people who are able to find ways to breathe better with this condition. Keep this in mind when you are trying to help your elderly loved one.
Sources: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd