Many of us take for granted the simple things in life. Our body’s basic abilities, like being able to see, hear, and breathe, are gifts we don’t often celebrate until they’re compromised.
COPD, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,” impacts nearly 16 million adults. Managing the setbacks from COPD can feel like a full-time job, not to mention trips to the ER or hospital can take patients away from home frequently.
Once you develop a condition like COPD, it’s not going away, but with the right resources and self-care, it can be manageable at home.
Here are ten tips for living better with COPD:
- Don’t Smoke
- Stay Hydrated
- Eat a Proper Diet
- Don’t Skip Your Medication
- Avoid Poor Air Quality (pet dander, secondhand smoke, areas of inadequate ventilation)
- Exercise
- Try Pulmonary Rehab
- Get Plenty of Rest
- Use Your Oxygen
- Ask for Help
Home Care Services
COPD can cause gradual shortness of breath, which may worsen as the condition progresses. Being unable to breathe can make caring for your home or yourself difficult.
Vacuuming, laundry, sweeping, mopping, outside chores, and even showering can be taxing and sometimes even feel impossible. If you stop doing the basic things you need to do each day, hygiene risks due to poor air quality, unsanitary conditions, or even skin breakdown can add to your existing health struggles. One way to avoid these issues is by finding support.
While home health and home care are often confused, a home care service helps patients with non-medical needs at home. They also provide personal care assistance to ensure their clients have proper hygiene.
Home care services may be able to do light housekeeping and assist with bathing tasks to ensure your safety. Each provider offers different services, but some providers can help with transportation, scheduling appointments, picking up groceries, preparing meals, or running errands.
Even a small amount of help, such as a day or two a week, can help improve life and help to reduce risks. They may be the missing piece you need to continue living independently!
Home Health Services
Home health services vary but may include a registered nurse (RN) who visits your home. Services can also include physical, occupational, and speech therapies, as well as a registered dietician to help support the nutritional needs of patients experiencing various health conditions.
When an RN visits your home, they can offer education, monitor your vitals and health changes, and help you learn to manage your condition independently. Care, health monitoring, and education at home may help prevent your condition from worsening and reduce the need for ER visits or hospital stays.
Each patient’s goals and needs are unique. Home health clinicians can help create a care plan centered around your outcomes to help you be successful, healthy, and safe.
CaringEdge Home Health Offers:
• Nursing
• Dietary consultation
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medication management
• Education/consultation
• Smoking cessation information
• Coordination of services/appointments
If you or someone you love is managing a life-limiting chronic condition such as COPD, call CaringEdge today at 877-907-8684 or email us at info@caringedge.com. We can conduct a free consultation to determine your eligibility. If you’re on a limited or fixed income, Medicare or Medicaid may even be able to cover the costs!