Millions of seniors live with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, every day. This progressive disease makes life difficult because seniors have a tougher time managing daily activities and staying as independent as they want to be. None of that means that they can’t age in place, however, especially with the help of senior home care providers.
What Is COPD?
COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it more difficult for people to breathe. People most often develop COPD from long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution. There may also be a hereditary component for some people. COPD involves two main lung illnesses: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There is no cure for COPD at this stage, but early diagnosis and assistance in managing the condition can improve quality of life.
Spotting COPD Earlier
The best way to spot COPD earlier is to understand the symptoms that point to this condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing during activities
- Chronic cough
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Wheezing or whistling while breathing
If seniors are experiencing even a few of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with their doctors. Screening tests can help to narrow down what is going on so that seniors get appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Doctors ask questions about past medical history, and family history, and then run breathing tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.
COPD Challenges
Seniors living with COPD have a lot of difficulty breathing. But they can also experience reduced physical endurance, which makes daily tasks like cleaning or cooking more difficult. Seniors may also start to isolate themselves without realizing it because they find it more difficult to participate in social activities. They can also experience emotional impacts from the grief and loss of no longer being able to do some of the activities they enjoy doing.
How Senior Home Care Supports Seniors with COPD
Senior home care can be a huge help to people who live with COPD. First, they can help seniors continue to live in a safe and clean environment. Seniors may also need help with activities related to errands, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. This allows them to conserve energy for other activities. Remembering to eat healthy meals and get enough physical activity can also help seniors manage COPD effectively. Because COPD can also be emotionally taxing, it can help to have senior home care providers around who help with practical issues and also offer emotional support.
Aging in Place with Home Care Assistance
Staying in their own homes offers seniors a sense of familiarity and comfort that keeps them feeling secure. With the help of senior home care services, seniors can stay as independent as possible while also getting the specific help they need. Seniors are more likely to reduce hospital visits by having assistance at home to conserve energy and manage symptoms.
Navigating the challenges of COPD can be difficult for seniors. Senior home care providers give seniors the tools and support that they need to age in place for as long as possible.