Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a complicated lung disease that progresses over time. That means COPD gets worse instead of better, even with treatment. Seniors who live with COPD experience a great many challenges because of their health issues, including managing their daily tasks. Home care assistance can offer support to seniors with COPD and the family members who care for them.
Make Meals Healthy and Filling
Nutrition is a big deal for seniors with COPD. One of the big problems that seniors face with COPD is that their bodies burn an astonishing number of calories just getting through their days. Eating smaller meals that are full of nutrition can help seniors with COPD to get the calories they need. Cooking is often difficult, though, especially when seniors don’t have energy to spare. Home care assistance can help by making meals and snacks for seniors so they’re always available.
Make Time for Rest
Seniors with COPD do need to move around a bit, but they also need to be able to rest whenever possible. Conserving their energy allows them to continue being there for the people they love when they can. Home care providers can take over some of the tasks that are exhausting for seniors with COPD, keeping them healthier on the whole because they have the support they need.
Encourage Seniors to Exercise
One of the areas of life seniors with COPD think is behind them for good might be exercising. But with the blessing of their doctors, COPD patients can sometimes find that regular exercise helps them to build up their muscles, strengthen their endurance, and maintain their balance. Physical activity needs to be in moderation, though, so seniors don’t wear themselves out.
Consider Home Modifications
As COPD gets worse, seniors may have a lot more difficulty with specific areas of their homes. Trying to navigate a home with a lot of stairs might be too much, for instance. Relocating a bedroom from upstairs to the main floor can help. Seniors and family caregivers can brainstorm to figure out other solutions as well.
Enlist Home Care Assistance
Waiting to bring in home care assistance is a decision that lots of families make. But for seniors with COPD, bringing in experienced professional caregivers sooner rather than later allows them to get into a healthier rhythm. Seniors learn how to lean on caregivers when they truly need and want extra support, while also learning to maintain their independence when it matters most to them. This can be a tricky balance, and learning it early on in their illness helps family members and seniors to feel more secure about having help around.
Because COPD is progressive, changes can often happen more quickly than families expect. Home care assistance can do a lot for seniors well before they get to the point where they need oxygen and a lot more support on a daily basis. When seniors get the chance to conserve their energy and eat healthier, COPD doesn’t have to feel so debilitating.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Stratham, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200
Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH provides exceptional home care in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, North Hampton, Hampton, Stratham, Exeter, Durham, Dover, Seabrook, Greenland, Rochester, Hampton Falls and surrounding areas.
