About COPD

With nearly 12 million Americans living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and another 12 million not yet diagnosed, chances are high that you or someone you know is living with COPD. With a growing number of Americans affected by COPD symptoms, the need for information and support for family caregivers is more critical than ever.

Living with COPD

Living with COPD always has its challenges, both mental and physical, but as cold weather arrives, these can amplify. The change in season and drop in fall temperature can cause COPD symptoms to worsen. You may notice your loved one struggling even more than usual, potentially resulting in unexpected trips to the emergency department. These exacerbated symptoms and frequent hospitalizations can put a toll on the patient, their family and loved ones, and their caregivers. This can cause financial setbacks, emotional stress, and may even lead to depression. As someone who may be the primary caregiver of a COPD sufferer, you may feel that you have been thrown into the caregiver role and you are unsure how to help.

When UpliftedCare Can be An Option

If you are the primary caregiver of a loved one living with COPD, you may not realize that hospice care can be a beneficial option. And while it’s difficult to come to terms with the advancing illness of a loved one, hospice is most effective when started early on. This helps ensure your loved one, and you as their caregiver, can gain the full benefit of the care and support hospice brings.

If you aren’t sure when the right time for hospice is, here are a few signs that it may be time.

  • Increased emergency room visits or hospitalizations for COPD complications
  • Shortness of breath to the point your loved one feels like they can’t breathe
  • Increased fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress
  • Needs continuous oxygen or increased use of bronchodilators
  • Any disease progression
  • Sleeping more often and spending more time in their favorite chair
  • Participating less in activities
  • Needing to call your doctor’s office with questions about medication and symptoms

How We Help

UpliftedCare can greatly improve the quality of life for COPD patients and their loved ones. Our specialized teams of caregivers include registered nurses and hospice physicians uniquely trained in the management and treatment of COPD. By providing both medical and personal care to control symptoms and reduce anxiety, stress, and discomfort, we can improve the quality of life for families coping with COPD.

  • Respite care services give family caregivers a much-needed break while providing expert care for your loved one
  • Prevent hospital stays and unplanned ER visits
  • Manage COPD symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, stress, and depression
  • Education about medication and coping with stress and issues related to the illness
  • Whole-person, patient-focused care including physical, social, spiritual, and emotional support
  • Patient and caregiver access to a registered nurse 24/7 for symptom management
  • Education about the disease process helps you understand your loved one’s disease and how to prepare for changing needs
  • Full support from the UpliftedCare team including our physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers

It’s important to understand the symptoms of the disease, its progress, and when it’s time for UpliftedCare to help. COPD is a progressive disease and as the disease advances, COPD patients and caregivers may want assistance with managing the increasing needs of the patient.

Every day we offer hope, strength and comfort to those who are facing advanced illnesses like COPD. If you are living with COPD, or caring for someone that is, we’re here to uplift you. For questions, support, and answers, call us today at 815.939.4141.