Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can be a difficult and devastating illness. As a caregiver to a loved one with COPD, you understand the challenges, stress and fear that accompany living with COPD.

As the disease progresses symptoms can increase, especially this time of year when the days turn colder. Your loved one may be experiencing increased symptoms that lead to those late night visits to the ER or frantic calls to their physician.

Hospice of South Texas can greatly improve the quality of life for COPD patients and their loved ones. Our specialized teams of caregivers include registered nurses and 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 pain, we can improve the quality of life for families coping with COPD.

But when is the right time to seek an extra layer of support for COPD? 

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 medications and symptoms

 

HOW WE CAN HELP

Hospice of South Texas can bring an extra layer of support to help you care for a loved one with COPD. It’s important to realize that our support is also for you, their caregiver. Serious illnesses like COPD affect more than just the person living with the illness. The pain, stress and anxiety of watching your loved one struggling with a serious illness can make you feel helpless and overwhelmed. Especially when that illness has progressed to requiring trips to the ER or multiple doctor visits. Often, it can be difficult to know what to do or to anticipate how your loved one will do in the days ahead. You don’t have to cope with this alone. Hospice of South Texas can help.

Our expert care includes:

  • Respite care services give family caregivers a much needed break while providing expert care for your loved one
    • Prevention of hospital stays and ER visits
    • Management of COPD symptoms including: shortness of breath, chest pain, stress, depression, and more
    • Education about medications and how to cope with stress and issues related to the illness
    • Whole-person, patient-focused care includes physical, social, spiritual, and emotional support
    • Access to a Registered Nurse 24/7 for symptom management
    • Education about the disease helps you understand what your loved one is experiencing and how to prepare for their changing needs
    • Full support from the Hospice of South Texas team including our medical director, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.

If you’re caring for a loved one with COPD, talk to one of our compassionate team members today about how we can help improve their quality of life and provide the support you need as their caregiver.