What is COPD and How Can Caregiving Help?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of chronic lung disease. Two of the most common forms of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

There is currently no known cure for COPD. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, people with COPD can manage their symptoms so they can lead a better quality of life. It may also help reduce the risk of other health conditions, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and other conditions.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of COPD include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Chronic cough and mucus production which can be white, yellow, clear, or greenish
  • Excess mucus in the lungs that make you have to clear your throat first thing every morning
  • Recurring respiratory infections
  • Cyanosis
  • Lack of energy
  • Swelling in feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weight loss

Causes

Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of COPD. Other causes include long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, and fumes from cooking fire without proper ventilation. People with asthma can also develop COPD over time if they don’t get themselves treated.

Can a Caregiver Help with COPD?

After a COPD diagnosis, it’s normal to feel discouraged and defeated. But don’t let that swallow you up. With proper treatment, medication, and care plan, you can still live a healthy, strong, and happy life-even with COPD. However, it’s important to note that all chronic care for this condition should be prescribed and conducted by a qualified medical professional.

Caregivers allow people with COPD to live as independently and comfortably as possible in their own homes while they undergo treatments. And since home caregivers go to their patient’s home-and not the other way around-it is more convenient for the patient. Additionally, living in a familiar and comfortable environment can improve a person’s mood, willpower, and overall outlook on life and their illness, which can significantly help their fight against the illness.

In-home caregivers offer a wide range of services for people with COPD. Perhaps the two key roles of a home caregiver are helping prepare healthy meals and reminding their patients when it’s time to take their medication. As the illness clouds the mind and life takes over, it’s easy to forget seemingly minute details. It’s the caregiver’s responsibility to make sure that their patient follows and obeys the prescribed care plan.

Having a caregiver by your side can make your fight against COPD more bearable. However, don’t just hire anyone. Make sure to hire someone from a reputable home care agency in Phoenix, such as Alarys Home Care.

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National Caregivers Month: 10 Reasons to Get a Caregiver

If you have loved ones who are getting older or have an illness that requires more help, you have three options. This includes having a family member look after them, move them to an assisted living facility, or hire a home care nursing professional. Most seniors prefer to stay at home where everything is familiar. And if your loved ones also like to age in place, then you must respect their wishes.

10 Top Reasons to Get a Home Caregiver

Here are some reasons why you should give home caregiving a try.

  • Caring for someone with dementia requires experience, which most family members don’t have. A home caregiver can provide all the support and guidance someone with this disease needs.
  • Seniors who continue to live at home are more comfortable and happier, which helps improve their quality of life.
  • Caring for an aging or ill family member can take its toll on the caregiver themselves. A home caregiver can take some of the load, giving families more time to spend quality time with their loved ones.
  • The specialized medical, emotional, and physical support seniors get with home caregiving helps them stay healthier for longer.
  • Home caregivers can give their patients personalized care, which is something that you can’t get in a caregiving facility. Additionally, seniors no longer need to go out for minor treatments because their personal caregivers can take care of them—which is very convenient for people with limited mobility.
  • Staying at home allows seniors to lead a more independent and meaningful life.
  • People recover faster when they stay in the comfort of their own home rather than staying at an assisted living facility.
  • Staying at home where everything is familiar does not just give seniors comfort. It also allows them to be surrounded by friends and family.
  • When your loved ones stay home, it decreases the risk of them contracting an infectious disease from other seniors, which is a common occurrence in many caregiving facilities. That’s why staying at home may be a better option. And having a professional caregiver by your loved ones’ side can help ease your mind. They can also give you updates about the health and wellbeing of your loved ones.
  • Caregivers can also provide companionship and friendship to their clients, which helps ease their loneliness and depression.

Home caregivers don’t just make sure that their clients are taken care of. They also provide companionship to ease any feelings of loneliness. However, do make sure that you choose your caregiver well. A reputable company that offers home care services in Phoenix like Alarys Home Care can help provide you with the best personal caregiver for your loved one.

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