Tips for Caregivers: COPD

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Tip 1:

Help them stop smokingHelp them stop smoking

If the person you’re caring for hasn’t quit smoking since receiving their diagnosis, it’s time to help them kick the habit.

• Remove anything smoking-related from their home or, at the very least, their field of vision. 
• Have a plan for when cravings crop up.
• Establish their home (and car) as a smoke-free zone.
• Get extra help: NicoBloc is an innovative drug-free approach to help smokers quit.

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Clear the Air

Tip 2:

Improve indoor air qualityImprove indoor air quality

Even the tidiest home may not have optimal indoor air quality, but a few small tweaks can make a big impact.

• Buy an indoor air-quality monitor. 
• Turn on the range hood while cooking.
• Run an air purifier in their bedroom, kitchen, and any other frequently used spaces — and keep up with filter changes. 
• Get extra help: This Honeywell air purifier from our partners at Carewell features a HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles and allergens.

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Tip 3:

Keep tabs on outdoor air qualityKeep tabs on outdoor air quality

Although there are a lot of potential irritants outside, COPD patients can still enjoy the great outdoors — with a little extra planning.

• Sign them up to receive air quality alerts for their area (try AirNow or AccuWeather). 
• Exhaust fumes, construction dust, and other air pollutants can cause flare-ups, so be mindful of where you spend your time.
• Take oxygen with you if it’s part of your loved one’s care plan.
• Get extra help: AirNow is your one-stop source for real-time air quality data.

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Tip 4:

Keep allergens at bayKeep allergens at bay

Many household items are COPD irritants — pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold. Controlling allergens and limiting exposure is the best way to ensure a healthy day.

• Vacuum daily. If possible, use a model with a HEPA filter, which traps dust and other allergens.
• Get allergy pillow covers for the bed and high-use areas, like the couch.
• Transfer decor objects from open shelves to a glass-enclosed cabinet.
• Get extra help: This powerful and highly rated Shark vacuum has a HEPA filter to efficiently trap fine particles and allergens.

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Tip 5:

Make easy home modificationsMake easy home modifications

Make daily tasks a little less strenuous with some simple home modifications.

• Keep their most-used items on the first floor to reduce the number of trips up and down the stairs. 
• Consider switching out a gas stove for electric or induction.
• Keep a fan in the bathroom since shower steam can trigger shortness of breath.
• Switch to non-toxic and fragrance-free cleaning products.
• Get extra help: Need help making these changes? Browse Thumbtack to find a local handyperson who can handle it for you.

CircleOf RecommendsYour one-stop shop for home health care essentials.Breathe Easier

Tip 6:

Help them breathe easierHelp them breathe easier

Even with the best symptom management plan in place, there will still be times when your loved one has a hard time getting enough breath. 

• Ask their doctor if they should be on portable oxygen. 
• Keep the room they’re in cool (but not too cold, as that can also be irritating).
• Use pillows or bolsters in bed to help keep their airway open while sleeping.
• Practice “pursed-lip breathing” — a technique that allows people to control their oxygenation and ventilation. 
• Get extra help: Keep portable cans of oxygen on hand for times when your loved one is experiencing breathlessness.

Previous

CircleOf RecommendsTrying to quit smoking? All it takes to start is just one drop.
Learn How it Works

Tip 1:

Help them stop smokingHelp them stop smoking

If the person you’re caring for hasn’t quit smoking since receiving their diagnosis, it’s time to help them kick the habit.

• Remove anything smoking-related from their home or, at the very least, their field of vision. 
• Have a plan for when cravings crop up.
• Establish their home (and car) as a smoke-free zone.
• Get extra help: NicoBloc is an innovative drug-free approach to help smokers quit.

CircleOf RecommendsCaregiving products for every caregiving moment.
Clear the Air

Tip 2:

Improve indoor air qualityImprove indoor air quality

Even the tidiest home may not have optimal indoor air quality, but a few small tweaks can make a big impact.

• Buy an indoor air-quality monitor. 
• Turn on the range hood while cooking.
• Run an air purifier in their bedroom, kitchen, and any other frequently used spaces — and keep up with filter changes. 
• Get extra help: This Honeywell air purifier from our partners at Carewell features a HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles and allergens.

CircleOf RecommendsLocal air quality affects how you live and breathe.Check Your Air

Tip 3:

Keep tabs on outdoor air qualityKeep tabs on outdoor air quality

Although there are a lot of potential irritants outside, COPD patients can still enjoy the great outdoors — with a little extra planning.

• Sign them up to receive air quality alerts for their area (try AirNow or AccuWeather). 
• Exhaust fumes, construction dust, and other air pollutants can cause flare-ups, so be mindful of where you spend your time.
• Take oxygen with you if it’s part of your loved one’s care plan.
• Get extra help: AirNow is your one-stop source for real-time air quality data.

CircleOf RecommendsEverything you need to make breathing easier.
Shop Now

Tip 4:

Keep allergens at bayKeep allergens at bay

Many household items are COPD irritants — pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold. Controlling allergens and limiting exposure is the best way to ensure a healthy day.

• Vacuum daily. If possible, use a model with a HEPA filter, which traps dust and other allergens.
• Get allergy pillow covers for the bed and high-use areas, like the couch.
• Transfer decor objects from open shelves to a glass-enclosed cabinet.
• Get extra help: This powerful and highly rated Shark vacuum has a HEPA filter to efficiently trap fine particles and allergens.

CircleOf RecommendsGet an immediate estimate from pros ready to do the job.Hire a Pro

Tip 5:

Make easy home modificationsMake easy home modifications

Make daily tasks a little less strenuous with some simple home modifications.

• Keep their most-used items on the first floor to reduce the number of trips up and down the stairs. 
• Consider switching out a gas stove for electric or induction.
• Keep a fan in the bathroom since shower steam can trigger shortness of breath.
• Switch to non-toxic and fragrance-free cleaning products.
• Get extra help: Need help making these changes? Browse Thumbtack to find a local handyperson who can handle it for you.

CircleOf RecommendsYour one-stop shop for home health care essentials.Breathe Easier

Tip 6:

Help them breathe easierHelp them breathe easier

Even with the best symptom management plan in place, there will still be times when your loved one has a hard time getting enough breath. 

• Ask their doctor if they should be on portable oxygen. 
• Keep the room they’re in cool (but not too cold, as that can also be irritating).
• Use pillows or bolsters in bed to help keep their airway open while sleeping.
• Practice “pursed-lip breathing” — a technique that allows people to control their oxygenation and ventilation. 
• Get extra help: Keep portable cans of oxygen on hand for times when your loved one is experiencing breathlessness.

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The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. If you are seeking medical advice, please consult with your licensed physician or other qualified health provider.