If you are a family caregiver, you know how important it is that you give seniors the level of care that they need to handle COPD and protect their health. The care and support that you give to your parent can help them to maintain better health and well-being, and continue to pursue a quality of life that is active, engaged, and fulfilling as they age in place.

Use these tips to help you care for a senior who is living with COPD:

• Help your parent learn breathing techniques that help your aging parent to get the breath that they need more efficiently for each activity that they are doing throughout the day, and to help them feel more in control if they feel short of breath.
• Encourage your parent to clear their airways of excess mucus regularly. This can be accomplished through controlled coughing, use of a humidifier, and drinking water regularly.
• Increase physical activity throughout their care routine to strengthen their respiratory system and help to remove mucus.
• Serve a healthy diet that will give them everything that they need for their body to thrive and stay strong and healthy.
• Talk to your parent’s doctor about how to help them lose a few pounds if they are overweight. This can take strain off of their respiratory system and help them breathe better, particularly during times of exertion.

If your aging parent has been diagnosed with COPD or is at elevated risk for this condition, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule designed not just to address your loved one’s COPD symptoms or risk, but their other individual challenges, needs, and limitations, as well as their desire for independence, activity, and engagement. This can help your parent to live a lifestyle that is fulfilling and enjoyable even as they deal with the consequences of their health conditions. This can include helping them to understand the health condition that they are dealing with as well as the instructions that were given to them by their doctor. They can then provide reminders to help them remain compliant with their medications and treatments, and encouragement to make the lifestyle decisions that are right for their disease and their individual needs. This care provider can also be a valuable source of support and monitoring for your aging parent. They can observe your parent’s symptoms and let you know if they see that your loved one is suffering from new or worsened symptoms so that you can make the decisions regarding their future healthcare that are right for them. As a family caregiver this can give you reassurance that your parent will be as safe, healthy, and comfortable as possible as they age in place both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable elderly care in Cumming, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/facts-statistics-infographic

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/home/ovc-20204882

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

https://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-is-COPD.aspx

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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