"Physical strength is measured by what we can carry; spiritual by what we can bear." ~ Author Unknown
If you keep a notebook, here are some pages that you can open and print (or download) which will help organization.
Caregivers Organizer
Medicine Chart
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For the dedicated folks who find themselves in the position of being caregivers for a loved one with COPD, we have compliled some tips which we hope will help you. They represent years of experience from our Caregivers in dealing with the daily stress and problems associated with Caregiving.
In the COPD-Support Community, you can ask questions by subscribing to the COPD Email List, and/or the Forum - a Discussion Board which has a designated area for Caregivers.
"In my caregiving experience, I had no one to talk to and when I did try to talk to someone, all I received was the normal platitudes and positive thinking quotes that are supposed to soothe.
But they did not soothe at all, and I finally realized that the only person who could really understand the daily life of a caregiver was another caregiver."
Start by finding support where you can interact with other caregivers.
Elaine Rester - Former Program Manager for COPD-Support Caregivers
Care Connection from AARP
AgingCare.com - Caregiver Support - Connect with other Caregivers
Caregiver Action Network - National Family Caregivers Association
Next Step in Care - United Hospital Fund
Family Caregiver Alliance - National Center on Caregiving
Download Your State's Advance Directives - from Caring Info
Caregivers Handbook - from PBS
New Technology - from AARP
Caregiver Tips - from Home Health Care Agencies
Aging in Place - Renovating with independence in mind
Caregivers Toolkit - Resource for Caregivers
Below are some foods that have been helpful to some COPDers. Not all work for everybody as we are all different, but depending on the circumstance might be worth a try.
* On our video page, you can also see How and What to eat.
Caffeine is a bronchodilator and widens the airways
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola drinks and cocoa.
Hot, spicy foods promotes lung function
Dr. Irwin Ziment, a professor of pulmonary medicine at the University of California School of Medicine at Los Angeles, advises his patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema to eat hot spicy foods at least three times a week.
* Beware though, many COPDers also have GERD and cannot tolerate spicy food.
Vitamin D deficiency may worsen COPD symptoms
The body makes its own vitamin D from sunlight, but a COPDer may not be getting enough sun exposure to meet their needs. Choose foods that are supplemented with vitamin D, as well as fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. They can also take a vitamin D supplement. Talk to the doctor if you are concerned about how much vitamin D is needed; a simple blood test can determine any deficiency.
Water - staying properly hydrated helps loosen phlegm
The breathing difficulties of COPD can lead to dehydration. Staying properly hydrated makes mucus easier to cough up (which protects from infection) and keeps tissues throughout the body (especially the airways) more supple. Water is an excellent option, along with healthy beverages, soups, and most fruits.
Caregivers have come away from their duty with health problems and/or emotional problems. Active caregivers can find themselves busy with a life that is unstable. Never knowing what they are going to have to deal with on a daily basis. Some dealing with illness themselves but end up sacrificing their own health to take care of someone else. Many dealing with financial problems draining everything they have because of medical copay and expenses. How can you avoid these situations? Be as organized and prepared as possible and do everything you can to safeguard your physical and mental wellbeing.
Here is one Caregiver's experience, that could help prepare you...
Thrust into Caregiving: How to Adapt, Survive and Thrive.
Take care of yourself...
5 Caregiver Relaxation Tips from Nurses in the Know
And continually watch for signs of burnout. 6 Signs of Caregiver Burnout.
When you need a morale boost, ask yourself "How will I look back at this time in my life years from now?" Shift your perspective to some future post-caregiving vantage point from which you can regard yourself now. This can help you more accurately see and appreciate the good work you're doing, despite however difficult it may seem to you each day.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." - Kierkegaard
It is impossible to say 'THANK YOU' enough