When you become a caregiver, your world changes alongside your loved one. No matter how or if you are related to the loved one you are caring for, I understand as a primary care doctor how hard being a caregiver is. I, myself, often refer to caregivers as heroes, but I also know as much as caregivers provide support, they also need support of their own.
A caregiver’s role can vary depending on their loved one’s needs, but many are responsible for taking their loved ones to appointments, helping to manage medications and providing emotional support. Throughout my more than thirty-year career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with caregivers during over 34,000 home visits, and I’ve come across a few tips to help you as a caregiver succeed. In this post, I will focus specifically on tips for those caregivers whose loved one has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tip #1: Understand their diagnosis
COPD is a condition that damages the lungs, making it difficult to breathe over time. It includes other chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The symptoms of COPD can be different for each person, and can also vary from day to day, with some days being worse than others. Common symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath, especially while doing everyday activities
- A frequent cough with or without mucus
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe in or out)
- Chest tightness
To learn more about COPD, download our COPD Patient Education Materials. You can also use trusted resources and organizations such as the COPD Foundation.
Tip #2: Support lifestyle changes
Following your loved one’s diagnosis with COPD, their primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage their condition. Your support through these changes can make an impact on your loved one’s ability to succeed in making these changes.
- Understand treatment options: There are many treatment options available that can help improve your loved one’s symptoms and slow progression of COPD. Oxygen therapy or medications, such as inhaled bronchodilators, can aid in loosening tight muscles in throat airways. Long-acting medications are used every day to help prevent symptoms while short-acting medications work quickly to help relieve COPD symptoms. It is important for your loved one to follow their treatment plan and see their doctor or APP regularly to track their lung function and symptom changes to make sure the treatment plan is working.
- Eat healthy and get physical activity: Encourage your loved one to maintain a regular exercise plan and healthy diet. Being active and eating nutritional food will help support their overall health and wellbeing. This can include taking walks together or planning a healthy menu each week.
- Quit Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for COPD, as three out of four people who have COPD are current smokers or used to smoke. If your loved one has been a lifelong smoker, they may feel it’s too late to quit, but stopping smoking can make a positive impact on their health. Work with your loved one’s doctor or APP to set goals and incentives for quitting and for tools to help them succeed.
Tip #3: Make time to care for yourself
Caregiving is a big responsibility and can often feel overwhelming. Here are a few ways to take time for yourself:
- Schedule "Me Time": Just as you schedule appointments and responsibilities, carve out dedicated time for yourself. This could be as simple as 15 minutes of quiet reflection, reading a book or enjoying a hobby.
- Connect with others: Find support in the caregiving community. Joining caregiver support groups allows you to share experiences, receive advice and develop friendships with those who understand your challenges.
- Use available resources: Many organizations offer resources specifically for caregivers, including respite care services, counseling and financial assistance. Check out platforms like AARP or the Family Caregiver Alliance for information and support.
- Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your routine to reduce stress and maintain emotional balance.
- Prioritize your Health: Don’t neglect your physical health. Eat balanced meals, engage in regular physical activity and make sure you get enough sleep. In addition, remember to make and keep your own primary care appointments.
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it's a necessity. By nurturing your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to care for others with love and compassion.
It is important to remember that you are not alone on your caregiving journey. Lean on support from family, friends, support groups or your own care team.
For more information on being a caregiver to someone with COPD, download our COPD Caregiver Packet.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.