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COPD Health Education

COPD Health Education. Caregiving for People with COPD. COPD77722CONS SAR00341. Funding for this program provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. What is a COPD Caregiver?. COPD Caregivers are people who take care of those with COPD. This may include:

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COPD Health Education

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  1. COPD Health Education Caregiving for People with COPD COPD77722CONS SAR00341 Funding for this program provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

  2. What is a COPD Caregiver? • COPD Caregivers are people who take care of those with COPD. This may include: • Family members • Friends • Healthcare professionals • Caregivers help to improve the quality of life of someone with COPD1a

  3. Know the Warning Signs • Symptoms of COPD, particularly early signs, are different for each person1,2 • Usually, a person with COPD will be the best person to know if he/she is having trouble breathing2 • Other changes are more likely to be noticed by others, including caregivers2 Share the information learned here with your family and those close to you, since a change or increase in COPD symptoms may be the only early warning sign of a more severe issue.2

  4. Flare-up Symptoms to Watch For • Coughing up mucus or phlegm1: • How much is he/she coughing up? Has that amount increased over time? • Has the color changed (i.e., yellow or green)? • Is there blood in the mucus? • Certain symptoms get worse1: • Shortness of breath • Coughing • Wheezing • A general feeling of ill health1 • Ankle swelling1 • Forgetfulness, confusion, slurring of speech1 • Sleepiness, always lacking energy1 • Using more pillows or sleeping in a chair instead of a bed to avoid shortness of breath1 • Morning headaches or dizzy spells1

  5. When Symptoms Get Serious • Discuss COPD symptoms with a healthcare provider at appointments and check-ups • Call a healthcare provider if symptoms become worse1a, 1b

  6. Keeping Track of Medicines • Make a chart with your friend or loved one’s medication(s)1a • Include: • Treatment name1a • Dosage amount1a • Time(s) of day to be taken1a • Special notes about the treatment (e.g., must be taken with food) • Check off the chart after each medicine has been taken1a

  7. When You Need Help Affording Medicine • Some people with COPD may need help affording their medicine1a • Some organizations have patient assistance programs to help people get the medicines they need for free or at a minimal charge1a • Many pharmaceutical companies have prescription assistance or drug discount programs1a • Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA): www.pparx.org or 1-888-477-2669 • Medicare or Medicaid: www.cms.gov

  8. The Toll on a COPD Caregiver Caregiving for someone can be difficult, and can affect the entire family. As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself, so you can help your loved one feel better.1 • Common signs of caregiver stress: • Feeling sad or moody1b • Crying more often than you used to1b • Having low energy level1b • Feeling like you don’t have time to yourself1b • Having trouble sleeping, or not wanting to get out of bed1b • Having trouble eating, or eating too much1b • Seeing friends or relatives less often than you used to1b • Losing interest in your hobbies or the things you used to dowith friends or family1b • Feeling angry at the person you are caring for, at other people, or situations1b

  9. What Can You Do to Alleviate Caregiver Stress? • Have a family meeting1a • Discuss what needs to be done1a • Divide up responsibilities1a • Have a list of chores ready when others offer to help1a • Ask for help1a • If you need more help: • Ask your pastor and church for support1b • NBCI will also be offering support for both patients and their families • See the COPD Health Note for more information

  10. Caregiver Resources

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