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

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 COPD 1a

Know the Warning Signs Symptoms of COPD, particularly early signs, are different for each person 1,2 Usually, a person with COPD will be the best person to know if he/she is having trouble breathing 2 Other changes are more likely to be noticed by others, including caregivers 2 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

Flare-up Symptoms to Watch For Coughing up mucus or phlegm 1 : – 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 worse 1 : – Shortness of breath – Coughing – Wheezing A general feeling of ill health 1 Ankle swelling 1 Forgetfulness, confusion, slurring of speech 1 Sleepiness, always lacking energy 1 Using more pillows or sleeping in a chair instead of a bed to avoid shortness of breath 1 Morning headaches or dizzy spells 1

When Symptoms Get Serious Discuss COPD symptoms with a healthcare provider at appointments and check-ups Call a healthcare provider if symptoms become worse 1a, 1b Call Immediately or Call 911Call Within 6-8 HoursCall Within 24 Hours If forgetfulness, confusion, slurring of speech or sleepiness occurs during a respiratory infection 1a, 1b Loss of alertness 1a, 1b Severe shortness of breath or chest, or other severe symptoms, especially if they are new 1a, 1b If shortness of breath or wheezing does not stop or decrease with inhaled bronchodilator treatments used one hour apart 2 If you notice one or more of the following symptoms: Change in color, thickness, odor or amount of mucus/phlegm 1a Ankle swelling lasts after a night of sleeping, even with your feet up 1a You wake up short of breath more than once a night 1a Fatigue lasts more than a day 1a A fever that doesn’t go away 1a

Keeping Track of Medicines Make a chart with your friend or loved one’s medication(s) 1a – Include: Treatment name 1a Dosage amount 1a Time(s) of day to be taken 1a Special notes about the treatment (e.g., must be taken with food) – Check off the chart after each medicine has been taken 1a

When You Need Help Affording Medicine Some people with COPD may need help affording their medicine 1a Some organizations have patient assistance programs to help people get the medicines they need for free or at a minimal charge 1a – Many pharmaceutical companies have prescription assistance or drug discount programs 1a – Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA): or – Medicare or Medicaid:

The Toll on a COPD Caregiver Common signs of caregiver stress: – Feeling sad or moody 1b – Crying more often than you used to 1b – Having low energy level 1b – Feeling like you don’t have time to yourself 1b – Having trouble sleeping, or not wanting to get out of bed 1b – Having trouble eating, or eating too much 1b – Seeing friends or relatives less often than you used to 1b – Losing interest in your hobbies or the things you used to do with friends or family 1b – Feeling angry at the person you are caring for, at other people, or situations 1b 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

What Can You Do to Alleviate Caregiver Stress? Have a family meeting 1a – Discuss what needs to be done 1a – Divide up responsibilities 1a – Have a list of chores ready when others offer to help 1a – Ask for help 1a If you need more help: – Ask your pastor and church for support 1b – NBCI will also be offering support for both patients and their families – See the COPD Health Note for more information

Caregiver Resources OrganizationContact Information Caring Connectionswww.caringconnections.org Eldercare Locator Family Caregiver Alliancewww.caregiver.org National Alliance for Caregivingwww.caregiving.org Visiting Angelswww.visitingangels.com Well Spouse Association Support Groups