6 Tips to Better Breathing for COPD Patients
If you’re caring for a loved one who struggles with COPD, you most likely understand that outdoor air pollution can worsen symptoms. However, did you realize that low air quality in the home can also be problematic? Purifying the air in the senior’s home can help everyone breathe better and be more comfortable.
Keep the air purifying tips below in mind:
- No Smoking! Don’t smoke or allow other individuals to smoke in the older person’s home. If there is a wood stove or fireplace in the house, be mindful that it can also be a source of aggravation for a person with COPD.
- Decrease Chemical Exposure. Household chemicals including paint and cleaning solutions can aggravate COPD symptoms, so decrease the use of toxic chemicals and ensure that lids remain on cleaning products whenever not being used. Additionally, there are healthier cleaning choices like baking soda and vinegar that can be considered.
- Minimize the Dust. Wash bed linens weekly, remove clutter, and keep household pets off furniture to help decrease dust.
- Purify Your Air. Set up an indoor air filtration device and ensure it has a HEPA filter. Though air pollution isn’t as bad in many rural areas as it is within the city, you can still certainly benefit from filtering your air and clearing away any potential pollutants or toxins.
- Sweep the Floors. Maintaining clean floors significantly reduces dust and allergen accumulation. Bear in mind that hardwood floors are much easier to maintain in an allergen-free state than carpeted floors.
- Use a Humidifier. Dry air from your home’s heating system can aggravate COPD difficulties, as can air that is too moist. A goal of 40% humidity inside the home is typically preferred for an individual with COPD.
COPD patients can also benefit from the services of Home & Hearth Caregivers’ professional in home care services for seniors that address:
- Education about COPD disease management
- Exercises to improve symptoms
- Nutrition and dietary counseling
- Psychosocial support
- Skills to best cope with symptoms
Our professionally trained care team will first identify individual service requirements and then develop a coordinated care plan in conjunction with a client’s medical professionals. Whether the need is for just a couple hours a week to allow family caregivers to take a much-needed break, or if a senior requires full-time, 24-hour care – or anything in between – Home & Hearth Caregivers is available to help with personalized in home care for seniors in Chicago and the surrounding areas, and can provide further resources on COPD management. Call Home & Hearth Caregivers today at 800-349-0663 to learn more about our Illinois senior care solutions.