According to the Mayo Clinic, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD.

The National Institute of Health estimates that nearly 24 million Americans suffer from COPD, but half of that number doesn’t realize that they have it. As a result, some may experience wheezing or tightness in the chest, while others may feel increasingly breathless.

COPD can cause several complications, including:

Respiratory infections. People with COPD are more likely to catch colds, the flu, and pneumonia.

COVID-19. Chronic lung diseases, including COPD, asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension, can make people more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

Heart problems. COPD can increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attack

Lung cancer. People with COPD have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

High blood pressure in lung arteries. COPD may cause high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to the lungs.

Although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, COPD is treatable. With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve positive symptom control and quality of life and reduced risk of other associated conditions[i].

How Home Care Can Help

With the assistance of a professional caregiver, COPD clients can reduce flare-ups and assist the client in managing them when they do. Here are some ways Home Care can help:

Healthy Eating and Exercise:  With the help of home care, the client can have healthy meals and be encouraged to walk or get small amounts of exercise daily.

Avoid Pollutants: Home care can help keep older adults away from air pollutants, including cigarette smoke.  

Watch Weather Conditions: Home Care can watch for changes in the weather that may impact breathing.

Medication Reminders: When signs of a flare-up occur, home care can remind the senior to use their inhaler or other medication prescribed by the doctor.

Provide Opportunity for Rest:  Rest is essential and having COPD can make that difficult. Home care can provide light housekeeping and run errands, which takes the stress off the clients, allowing them to rest.

Offer a Second Set of Eyes: Home care can watch for signs the senior needs medical attention. Many times, the senior will try to “wait it out” or think it will pass. Having a professional caregiver there will provide earlier intervention.

Home Care can play a significant role in improving the quality of life of a senior suffering from COPD. Home care allows family members to rest easier knowing their loved one is cared for in a way that will enable them to remain in the home of their choice safely.

Sources:

[1] Mayo Clinic

Posted in Care for Aging Veterans

About Kyle Laramie, Founder & CEO

Kyle founded Veterans Care Coordination in April 2011. As its founder and CEO of VCC, Kyle is driven by the memory of his grandfather, a World War II Veteran who unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits because Kyle’s family wasn’t aware of available opportunities. In recognition of his impact in leadership, Kyle was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list and St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s “100 St. Louisans to Know” in 2014. VCC was named a St. Louis Small Business Monthly “Top 20” small business and a finalist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace (2015-2022), St. Louis Business Journal Best Place to Work (2019 & 2022), and the Arcus Awards (2014). The team has served more than 14,000 Veteran clients and their families. Kyle frequently speaks on Veterans’ benefits, addressing conferences such as the Home Care Association of America and Decision Health. He is passionate about giving back and has built a charitable-minded organization that supports various philanthropic efforts.