How to Care for a Parent With End Stage COPD

Caring for a parent with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is heartbreaking and stressful. Knowing that a parent's condition has become so severe that she is at the end stage of COPD can be even more emotionally draining. Some knowledge of COPD, and how it impacts a patient during the end stage, can help you take care of a sick parent. There may also be services to help so that you don't have to do it alone.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's phone number
• Medication list
• Hospice or respite care
• Face mask
• Magazines, books, TV
• Food

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand what COPD is and how it affects your parent so that you can better care for her. COPD makes it difficult for a person to breathe, causing oxygen deprivation in all parts of the body. The disease can be managed but will get worse over time. By caring for your parent during this time you may help slow the disease and make her more comfortable.

• 2

  Accept any help that is offered through respite or hospice care. If your parent's doctor has declared that she is in end stage COPD, then these services will most likely be available to you. With the help of professional care you can learn what needs to be done and be able to take breaks. Ask your parent's doctor about the hospice or respite care that may be available.

• 3

  Monitor oxygen and medication needs. During the end stage, most patients will have an oxygen tank, inhalers, and/or oral medications. Keep up to date on the medications that are needed and when the prescriptions will need to be refilled so that your parent does not run out.

• 4

  Keep the house clean and dust free. With COPD, your parent will have harder time breathing when they are exposed to lung irritants such as dust or even strong perfumes.

• 5

  Keep the air your parent breathes warm and comfortable. Cold air will restrict the lungs and make breathing more difficult. If you take her outside on a cold day have her wear a face mask over her nose and mouth which will warm up the air she breathes.

• 6

  Supply your parent with books, magazines, the TV remote, and snacks or drinks within easy reach. In the end stage of COPD, your parent will likely not have the energy to move around much and will appreciate having something to do.

• 7

  Watch for signs of depression in your parent. People with serious cases of COPD often become depressed because they are unable to participate in activities or even do basic things, like make lunch. Talk to your parent's doctor if you feel she is depressed.

• 8

  Fill the fridge and freezer with ready-to-eat or microwavable meals. Your parent will likely not have the strength to fix even a sandwich and may end up skipping meals without help cooking.

• 9

  Visit often and encourage other family and friends to visit. Your parent may not have the energy to go to events or visit family and may become isolated. Visits from family and friends will help keep them as active as they can be.