COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a progressive lung condition primarily found in seniors that restricts airflow to the lungs, making breathing difficult. It is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or air pollution. It can lead to symptoms like chronic cough, shortness of breath, and reduced lung function, significantly impacting a senior’s quality of life.
Your senior may suffer from this condition and need a lot of medical help, but they will also need non-medical things you may not have thought of. Although there is no cure for COPD, it can be managed, and even if you think they can’t do things or can’t be independent, there are ways to live a full and high-quality life with the help of professional care such as companion care at home.
Companionship is a Must
When your elderly loved one struggles with breathing, you may find that they often withdraw from social gatherings or become more isolated. This is so dangerous. Every elderly person should have friends, family, and be doing easy social things to help them thrive in their older age. One of the best things you can do for your mom or dad is help them hire companion care at home.
They are professionals who not only provide companionship but can help your loved one get to social events by providing non-medical transportation. Companion care at home can also help your loved one manage the house when their breathing is too bad or do other everyday things like get dressed, take baths, and even eat when necessary. They provide friendship and a set of watchful eyes that can help your loved one thrive with COPD.
They Need to Think About Nutrition
When you think of COPD, you may not think about nutrition right away. Some seniors won’t focus on nutrition for various reasons, maybe because they don’t think it matters. However, the most important thing your loved one can focus on is eating well. This will not only help manage their COPD, but it will also help fuel their body to take on the everyday challenges of aging in place. Your body needs nutrients no matter how old you get. If your senior needs help setting nutrition goals, they should talk to their primary care doctor or a specialized dietician who has worked with seniors before.
Your Senior Should Exercise
Your loved one may have flare-ups that make some days harder to breathe and other days easier to breathe. On good days, a senior should focus on moving as much as they are comfortable with. This may seem counterproductive to managing COPD, but the truth is it can play a significant role in overall health and how your loved one manages their symptoms. However, it is also crucial your senior loved one does not overwork their bodies, and they listen to how they’re feeling.
Stress Management is Crucial
You may notice that when your senior mom or dad has a lot going on, they become more stressed, and it impacts their breathing more. So, even though this is a non-medical need, it is truly important to figure out how to help them manage their stress. Ask them what you or companion care at home can help them with to limit the anxiety and stress they feel every day.
If you or an ageing loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Devon, please contact the caring staff at Serving Hands Senior Care today. Call (780) 963-1516
Premiere Home Health and Senior Home Care services in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Devon, St. Albert, Edmonton, Onoway, Leduc, Parkland County and surrounding communities since 2016.
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