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Useful Tips to Care for Elderly Parents with COPD

Jan 12, 2023

Aging Parents

tips_to_care_for_elderly_parents_with_copd

It can be terrifying and troubling to realize that your elderly parent has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It implies that you must review your living arrangements and make important decisions concerning your elderly parent's daily care.  Caring for an elderly parent with COPD needs more attention and patience. It can impact an older adult's capacity for independent living and entails hiring in-home caregiver services in Orange County.

More than 15 million Americans have COPD. If COPD is not treated correctly, it can decrease a person's strength and endurance and make it challenging to maintain a quality of life. 

Here is the guide to help you step ahead and ensure the best caregiving for COPD in Orange County!

How Does COPD Affect Senior Adults?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common illness among older people. Seniors with COPD may experience difficulties moving around, interacting with others, and carrying out everyday tasks in addition to respiratory problems. 

Early signs of COPD are commonly ignored. However, the faster your parent receives therapy and implements necessary lifestyle changes, the better the chances of improvement will be. Although COPD develops gradually, symptoms usually occur during the winter.

People with COPD are also susceptible to exacerbations, in which their symptoms worsen and last for at least a few days. Exacerbations are primarily linked to airway inflammation, physiological changes, and hyperinflation. Your parents can have considerably more difficulty breathing during these flare-ups. Effective caregiving for an elderly parent with COPD involves addressing these challenges and taking the right consultation on time.

What Are the First Signs of COPD In Older Adults?

The symptoms of COPD may be so subtle initially that the affected person is unaware of them. The severity of COPD and its symptoms can also vary from individual to individual. The condition is progressive, and the symptoms worsen. The signs of COPD frequently don't turn up until there has been severe lung damage, especially if smoking exposure persists. 

COPD Warning Signs and Symptoms

Caregiving for COPD in time is essential. Early detection of COPD can let patients start their treatment sooner to limit the disease course before it becomes life-threatening. Early signs and symptoms are:

  • Chest infection
  • Fatigue
  • Wheezing or constrictive chest
  • Reduced appetite
  • Breathlessness, especially when engaging in vigorous activity
  • A persistent cough that carries a risk of mucous
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Energy deficit
  • Unwanted weight loss
  • Leg, foot, or ankle swelling

How is COPD Treated in Elderly People?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment can help relieve the symptoms. The treatment options available are mentioned below:

Inhalers

An inhaler is among the most common medication care for the elderly given if COPD is making it challenging to breathe. This allows you to inhale medicine directly into your lungs to feel better.

Tablets

Tablets are another common medication care for the elderly. A doctor can advise consuming tablets or capsules if symptoms and ailments continue to grow. Tablets provide better management and comfort.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a specialized exercise regimen and instruction to help persons with respiratory disorders like COPD. It helps treat the symptoms, boosts self-confidence, and improves emotional well-being, and the exercise you perform before you go out of breath.

Strengthening your muscles

If an elderly patient has a severe flare-up and cannot work out, they are provided electrical stimulation to strengthen their muscles. This procedure involves applying electrodes to your skin and sending brief electrical impulses to the sore muscles to provide strength and flexibility to the muscles.

How Caregivers Can Help the Elderly with COPD

Caring for an elderly with COPD at home can be challenging and overwhelming. Family caregivers must detect the warning symptoms of burnout and provide the necessary care before the health deteriorates. 

People with COPD can benefit greatly from having in-home caregivers. One of the most critical roles caregivers can perform is reminding patients to take timely medications and assist with food preparation. Patients may find it difficult to recall the details of their care plan as life gets hectic and illnesses muddle the memory.

Caregiver services in Orange County can offer personal care, essential cleaning assistance, and accompany the patient to medical appointments. In addition to providing physical assistance, a caregiver can offer emotional support to the COPD sufferer during this trying time. They can serve as a person's support network in the phase of helplessness and bring real recovery through care and affection. 

24-hour Care and Compassion with Newport Home Care

Caring for an elderly parent with COPD is a huge commitment. However, you may overcome all obstacles with the proper assistance. We are committed to serving COPD patients with prompt services at Newport Home Care. We prioritize quality over all other aspects, and our team ensures that patients’ demands are being addressed and resolved simultaneously.

If you are looking for reliable caregiver services in Orange County, bring the desirable comfort home. Contact us today and get your loved one a better life with Newport Home.

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