Check in - What Should a Caregiver Know?

Here at the COPD Foundation, we know that this month, November, is COPD Awareness Month. But did you know that November is also National Family Caregivers Month? So, today let’s take a look at the COPD caregiver. If you are a person with COPD or a caregiver, there’s a lot to learn about COPD caregiving—too much to cover in one blog post—so we’ll focus on a few key things. At the end of each section, you’ll find some action items—things caregivers can do today to help themselves and their loved ones with COPD. Finally, we’ll end with some great resources. But before digging into caregiving for people with COPD, let’s look at some surprising statistics about family caregiving as a whole.^[i]

1. There are 53 million family caregivers in the United States.
2. The number of family caregivers in the U.S., increased by 9.5 million from 2015 to 2020.
3. Over half of family caregivers are women.
4. Most caregivers work outside the home either part- or full-time in addition to their caregiving responsibilities.
5. Over a million American young people, aged eight to 18, care for an adult relative daily.
6. Nearly 70 percent of caregivers report they don’t see their doctor regularly because of their responsibilities.

COPD Caregiver Information and Education

It’s important for caregivers to learn about COPD, what it is, and how to avoid exacerbations, or flare-ups. One way to track changes in symptoms is to use the My COPD Action Plan. This includes tracking symptoms that may lead to an exacerbation, and what to do if symptoms occur. Caregivers should also know the proper way to use inhaled medication devices and help loved ones as needed. If there are problems using a COPD medication device, they can speak with the health care provider about other treatment options.

Action item: If you’re a family caregiver of someone with COPD:

To Learn about COPD, visit: Newly Diagnosed with COPD - Learn More - COPD Foundation, COPD Treatment and Medications | COPD Foundation

To Find the My COPD Action Plan, visit: COPD Foundation Educational Materials

To Learn about inhaler device use, visit: COPD Inhaler Educational Video Series | COPD Foundation

Palliative Care

It’s important to know about palliative care. First and foremost, know that although Hospice care is a type of palliative care, they are not the same. Palliative care is a form of medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and providing coordinated care for people living with chronic conditions... at any stage of a chronic disease. The main goal is to improve quality of care and quality of life and relieve symptoms that may come with COPD. People who participate in palliative care programs still receive medicines and therapies to treat their illness and prolong life. In most cases, palliative care will provide access to a variety of health care professionals to help improve the person’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. To be the most helpful to the sick person, palliative care should be started early in the illness.

Action Item: If you’re a family caregiver of someone with COPD, learn about palliative care and talk with your loved one with COPD and their health care provider about it. The COPD Caregiver | COPD Foundation

Caring for Yourself as Caregiver

With so much time devoted to caregiving it can be easy to forget about yourself, so it’s no surprise that caregivers often overlook common warning signs of stress:

• Feeling sad or worried
• Low energy level, feeling tired
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Gaining or losing weight
• Losing interest in hobbies or social activities
• Becoming easily angered

Remember, nearly 70 percent of caregivers report that they don’t see their doctor regularly!

Action items: If you’re a family caregiver of someone with COPD:

• Visit: FAQ for Caregivers | COPD Caregivers Support | COPD Foundation
• If you haven’t seen your primary care doctor in the last six months, make an appointment today.
• If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your family health care provider and/or clergy about your feelings.
• Try to arrange for time to do something for yourself - a hobby, a call with a friend, or treating yourself to something you like to do.
• Avoid isolation by staying in touch with your friends and family members -- ask them for help in giving care.

In this blog post we’ve looked at just a few key aspects of COPD caregiving. What do you think a caregiver should know? Let’s talk! I look forward to hearing from you!

[i] Caregiving in the US 2020 | The National Alliance for Caregiving. Accessed 11-07-2021.