Caring for Someone with COPD

COPD Caregivers Matter

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive disease of the lungs that causes inflammation in the airways and difficulty breathing.

There’s no cure for COPD, but the disease and symptoms can be managed effectively.

Caregivers make a huge difference. They:

• Help with medication
• Encourage healthy activities
• Notice warning signs of declining health
• Struggling to breathe
• Increased fatigue
• Disease worsening
• Make it easier to get needed care

Managing Medications Is Critical

For people with COPD, there can be a lot of medications to juggle. Each may have different schedules and ways you take them.

You can help by:

• Keeping track of medicine schedules
• Managing doses
• Helping with inhaler techniques and inhalations
• Giving injections (after being trained)

Encouraging Rehab

Pulmonary rehab is one of the best ways to improve breathing, endurance and quality of life.

But patients may get discouraged, forget or not have transportation.

Caregivers can encourage rehab by:

• Arranging or providing rides
• Setting up telerehabilitation
• Doing rehab exercises at home with their loved ones

Protecting through Prevention

For someone with COPD, a respiratory infection is a serious danger. Prevention is the best protection.

• Encourage masking
• Keep sick people away
• Keep the home clean and well-ventilated
• Make sure vaccines are up to date (for you and the person you’re caring for)

Balancing Independence

Sometimes, support means stepping back.

Regular physical activity helps the lungs work better. And, being independent helps people feel better.

But too much exertion can be a problem, so aim for balance.

Encourage your loved one to do what they can, and be there to help when they can’t.

Dealing with Disparities

For some, COPD is a bigger challenge.

People of color have less access to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Telehealth isn’t as accessible for Black, Latinx, older, female and lower income patients, though they’re willing to use it.

Caregivers can advocate, ask for resources and options, and speak up for better care.

Watching for Signs of Worsening COPD

The first sign of worsening COPD is an increase in symptoms, called a flare-up or attack.

People with COPD often underestimate how bad they are and why it is important to seek care quickly.

Part of caregiving is watching out for signs of a COPD flare-up/attack:

• Increased shortness of breath, coughing or mucus
• Unusual fatigue
• Confusion or disorientation

If you see these signs, seek care right away.

Processing Emotions

When you care for someone who is struggling to breathe, it affects you. Many caregivers have intense emotions.

You may feel:

• Helpless
• Afraid
• Uncertain
• Anxious
• Depressed

Be sure you have a clear action plan for managing COPD flare-ups. You also need support, so you can share what you’re going through, too.

Avoiding Burnout

Caregiving for someone with COPD takes a lot from you. Burnout is a real risk.

Self-care isn’t optional.

• Join a support group
• Prioritize good sleep, exercise and regular medical care for yourself
• Ask for help
• Take breaks
• Use resources that provide relief, because caregivers need care, too

Resources

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.