Help for your Parent with COPD
Senior Care in Madeira OH
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. It is often a combination of two diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these diseases cause obstruction in the airway and make it difficult to breathe. While it is a progressive disease, there are steps your loved one can take in order to slow down this chronic, long-standing disease.
Cause
COPD is almost always caused by smoking. If this is true of your parent, they must quit smoking in order to halt any further damage to their lungs. Resources available to help you parent quit smoking include:
- Smokefree.gov includes coaches and plans to help your parent quit.
- American Cancer Society offers a hotline to call. The number is 800-ACS-2345.
- MedLine Plus offers stop smoking support programs.
Treatment
Certain medications may be prescribed that are designed to help your loved one breathe easier. They may also be referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation service that helps them develop lifestyle changes that may include exercise, dietary, and instructions on breath control. Be sure your parent knows the importance of avoiding any environments where there is secondhand smoke, air pollution, or a strong dust and dirt presence in the air.
Exercise
Be sure to check with your parent’s doctor before they start an exercise program. It’s a known fact that weak muscles require more oxygen. Developing strong muscles will make it easier to accomplish daily tasks and your parent will eventually find themselves with increased stamina. Exercises that can specifically support those with COPD include walking, bicycling, strength training, aerobics classes designed for those with COPD, as well as yoga and Tai chi. Exercises for the diaphragm, the muscle beneath your lungs, can help increase lung function. This exercise as well as others designed for COPD can be found on the copdfoundation.org website.
Diet
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for those with COPD. It’s recommended that they eat smaller meals throughout the day as large meals require more oxygen to digest. It’s also important to incorporate foods that support healthy lung tissue into your parent’s diet. These include antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, high-quality, low-fat protein sources such as chicken, fish, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. It is also suggested that your parent limit their salt intake and, to that end, processed and packaged foods. If your loved one requires supplemental oxygen, it’s a good idea they use this during eating which requires additional oxygen.
Senior Care Provider
Your parent can lead a productive life despite COPD. They may require some assistance with the daily activities of living now or in the future. A senior care provider can offer the type of care they need in addition to providing transportation to appointments and exercise classes. They can be there to provide support should the need arise, including companionship—an important aspect of an elderly person’s well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Madeira, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Resources:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/QuitSmoking/QuittingResources/Resources-to-Help-You-Quit-Smoking_UCM_307934_Article.jsp#.WJZXVyve3gE
www.copdfoundation.org
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
- Winter Safety Tips for Seniors - November 17, 2022
- Fun Fall Activities for Seniors In Cincinnati, OH - October 3, 2022
- National Senior Citizen Day - August 16, 2022