Daily Living With COPD: Tips and Strategies

Daily living of your loved one with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) presents unique challenges. The persistent symptoms—coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing—can be difficult to manage. While there is no cure for COPD, treatment and proactive caregiving can significantly enhance the quality of life. Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you support your family member with COPD.

Promote Regular Exercise

Exercise is essential for individuals with COPD as it strengthens muscles and improves endurance, making breathing easier. Incorporating a daily routine with upper and lower body exercises can help maintain independence and ease daily activities. Upper-body exercises enhance respiratory function, while lower-body activities, such as stair climbing or treadmill walking, provide significant benefits.

Breaking physical activity into short, manageable daily sessions can be effective. Even a few minutes of exercise several times daily can make a substantial difference. Incorporate breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, aiming for five to ten minutes, three to four times daily. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing an exercise plan.

Optimize the Home Environment

Creating a comfortable and healthy living space is crucial for someone with COPD. Start by improving ventilation and air quality when the outdoor air is clean, open windows to enhance ventilation, and keep them closed when the air quality is poor or dusty. Use air filtration systems and exhaust fans to maintain clean indoor air and ensure balanced humidity levels. Air that is too dry or too humid can attract irritants.

Remove indoor pollutants such as cigarette smoke, fireplace smoke, hair spray, and perfume. Keep the home clutter-free to minimize dust accumulation. Regularly clean the house with gentle, non-toxic cleaning products and frequently change bed sheets to reduce dust mites.

Enhance the Diet

A nutritious diet is crucial for individuals with COPD. Consuming the right nutrients provides the energy needed to prevent and recover from chest infections and ease breathing. Encourage a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds while limiting processed foods and red meats. Reducing salt intake is vital as salt can cause water retention, making breathing more difficult.

Starting the day with a nutrient-dense breakfast is particularly important since fatigue can prevent individuals with COPD from consuming enough calories later in the day. Avoid caffeine, especially in the morning, as it can negatively interact with COPD medications and cause nervousness or restlessness.

Seek Professional Assistance

Professional caregivers can significantly enhance the quality of life for someone with COPD. In-home caregivers offer comprehensive support in various areas:

• Meal Preparation: Ensuring meals are nutritious and tailored to the dietary needs of someone with COPD.
• Exercise Encouragement: Motivating and assisting with exercise routines to maintain physical health.
• Housekeeping and Laundry: Keeping the living space clean and free from irritants.
• Transportation and Accompaniment: Assisting with medical appointments and outings to reduce stress and ensure timely care.
• Companionship: Providing social interaction and emotional support to improve daily well-being.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve the quality of life and daily living for a family member with COPD. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, a well-maintained home environment, and professional caregiving support are key to managing this condition effectively. 

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience