Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a name used to describe a collection of respiratory conditions that inflict breathing issues.
It includes damage to the lung’s air sacs (emphysema), as well as airway inflammation (chronic bronchitis). Both conditions can introduce major everyday challenges to those who suffer, with many requiring further assistance to live comfortably.
As a means of managing the symptoms of the condition, COPD care exists as a form of condition-led care that is optimised for patients who need additional, specialised support from trained nurses and carers.
Find out how you can begin arranging this tailored form of care by reading our complete overview of COPD care.
What is COPD Care?
COPD care entails the many tasks and responsibilities of carers and nurses that are tending to the needs of patients diagnosed with COPD. It has a specific focus on improving quality of life by developing coping methods, administering appropriate medication, and exercising breathing abilities to combat the side-effects of COPD.
While there is currently no cure for the condition, research has provided a few ways in which COPD can be treated. Such ways include:
• Stopping smoking
• Using an inhaler
• Surgery
• Breathing exercises/rehabilitation
Who is COPD Care For?
Tailored specifically for sufferers of COPD, COPD care can allow people showing symptoms of COPD to improve their quality of life by circumventing many of the negative implications of the condition.
Certain people are more likely to develop COPD than others. Here are a few aspects that may increase the chances of requiring COPD care:
Smokers
Long-term smoking is the biggest cause of COPD as it causes damage to the respiratory system. This damage is enough to leave the lungs unable to move air and in out, subsequently increasing breathing difficulty. COPD care can help patients quit smoking in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle that reduces the impact of the condition.
Genetic History
People with a genetic alpha-1-antitryspin deficiency are more likely to develop COPD than others. The absence of alpha-1-antitryspin leaves the lungs more prone to damage as years go by, therefore substantially increasing the risk of COPD. From assisting with diagnosis to creating fully fledged care plans, COPD care is a vital tool for those with hereditary conditions such as this.
Breathing Issues
Those who have recently discovered breathing issues that have further complicate their daily lives may wish to receive treatment for COPD through appropriate, specialised care.
“I have nothing but praise for My Care My Home's carers. They have provided an excellent service and companionship to both my Mum & Dad.”
- Karen Heyes
How My Care My Home Can Help
As a home care services provider with many years of experience, My Care My Home is passionate about sourcing, providing, and monitoring various care services for our clients. We primarily focus on elderly care, but are also able to cater for many other health conditions via condition-led care.
Ultimately, we want to ensure that your life is as comfortable as possible, even when faced with troubling diagnoses.
Need help arranging a will? Setting up Lasting Power of Attorney? Or looking for some general free information and advice? Our team can help.
COPD Care: How it Works
If you’re wondering what our typical process looks like, this should give you a brief overview as to how our usual consulting procedure goes. Although, your experience may vary depending on your needs and circumstances.
1. Diagnosis
Due to the severity of COPD, a diagnosis is always our first priority when providing care. If you’re finding it difficult, our team can provide you with helpful guidance to get you the answers you are looking for.
2. Consultation
With a diagnosis in place, we are then able to accurately identify which of our various care services may be most applicable for you. Following a brief call with our friendly team, we can also identify any objectives that you would like to meet with care. In some cases, multiple services are required at the same time; by identifying all possible issues first, we can make much more progress in the long-term.
3. Long-Term Observation
We understand that as time goes on, circumstances and situations change. That’s why we keep in close contact with you throughout the entire care process. Whether it’s your doctor, nurse, or private carer, we are always there to make any alterations to keep your service optimised.