COPD Health Education

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COPD Health Education
Caregiving for People with COPD
COPD77722CONS SAR00341
Funding for this program provided by Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
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What is a COPD Caregiver?

• COPD Caregivers are people who take care of those
  with COPD. This may include
• Family members
• Friends
• Healthcare professionals
• Caregivers help to improve the quality of life of
  someone with COPD1a

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Know the Warning Signs

• Symptoms of COPD, particularly early signs, are
  different for each person1,2
• Usually, a person with COPD will be the best
  person to know if he/she is having trouble
  breathing2
• Other changes are more likely to be noticed by
  others, including caregivers2

Share the information learned here with your
family and those close to you, since a change or
increase in COPD symptoms may be the only early
warning sign of a more severe issue.2
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Flare-up Symptoms to Watch For

• Coughing up mucus or phlegm1
• How much is he/she coughing up? Has that amount
  increased over time?
• Has the color changed (i.e., yellow or green)?
• Is there blood in the mucus?
• Certain symptoms get worse1
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing

• A general feeling of ill health1
• Ankle swelling1
• Forgetfulness, confusion, slurring of speech1
• Sleepiness, always lacking energy1
• Using more pillows or sleeping in a chair instead
  of a bed to avoid shortness of breath1
• Morning headaches or dizzy spells1

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When Symptoms Get Serious

• Discuss COPD symptoms with a healthcare provider
  at appointments and check-ups
• Call a healthcare provider if symptoms become
  worse1a, 1b

Call Immediately or Call 911 Call Within 6-8 Hours Call Within 24 Hours
If forgetfulness, confusion, slurring of speech or sleepiness occurs during a respiratory infection1a, 1b Loss of alertness1a, 1b Severe shortness of breath or chest, or other severe symptoms, especially if they are new1a, 1b If shortness of breath or wheezing does not stop or decrease with inhaled bronchodilator treatments used one hour apart2 If you notice one or more of the following symptoms Change in color, thickness, odor or amount of mucus/phlegm1a Ankle swelling lasts after a night of sleeping , even with your feet up1a You wake up short of breath more than once a night1a Fatigue lasts more than a day1a A fever that doesnt go away1a
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Keeping Track of Medicines

• Make a chart with your friend or loved ones
  medication(s)1a
• Include
• Treatment name1a
• Dosage amount1a
• Time(s) of day to be taken1a
• Special notes about the treatment (e.g., must be
  taken with food)
• Check off the chart after each medicine has been
  taken1a

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When You Need Help Affording Medicine

• Some people with COPD may need help affording
  their medicine1a
• Some organizations have patient assistance
  programs to help people get the medicines they
  need for free or at a minimal charge1a
• Many pharmaceutical companies have prescription
  assistance or drug discount programs1a
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
  www.pparx.org or 1-888-477-2669
• Medicare or Medicaid www.cms.gov

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The Toll on a COPD Caregiver
Caregiving for someone can be difficult, and can
affect the entire family. As a caregiver, you
need to take care of yourself, so you can help
your loved one feel better.1

• Common signs of caregiver stress
• Feeling sad or moody1b
• Crying more often than you used to1b
• Having low energy level1b
• Feeling like you dont have time to yourself1b
• Having trouble sleeping, or not wanting to get
  out of bed1b
• Having trouble eating, or eating too much1b
• Seeing friends or relatives less often than you
  used to1b
• Losing interest in your hobbies or the things you
  used to dowith friends or family1b
• Feeling angry at the person you are caring for,
  at other people, or situations1b

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What Can You Do to Alleviate Caregiver Stress?

• Have a family meeting1a
• Discuss what needs to be done1a
• Divide up responsibilities1a
• Have a list of chores ready when others offer to
  help1a
• Ask for help1a
• If you need more help
• Ask your pastor and church for support1b
• NBCI will also be offering support for both
  patients and their families
• See the COPD Health Note for more information

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Caregiver Resources
Organization Contact Information
Caring Connections www.caringconnections.org 1-800-658-8898
Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org 1-800-445-8106 info_at_caregiver.org
National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org info_at_caregiving.org
Visiting Angels www.visitingangels.com 1-866-739-4788
Well Spouse Association Support Groups www.wellspouse.org 1-800-838-0879