Managing a chronic disease, like COPD, isn’t easy but it can become an even greater challenge as people get older and lung function naturally decreases. Understandably, most people prefer to live as independently and self-sufficiently as they can at home, for as long as possible. The trouble is, as we age, our ability to care for ourselves may not be as dependable as it once was. We may not be able to prepare healthy meals or we might neglect to exercise, as our doctor has recommended. We might forget to take our medication or visit the doctor on schedule. Or we might let laundry or dishes pile up or neglect to pay bills on time.

Home health care can provide a much-needed helping hand. Professional caregivers can assist with nearly every aspect of your life, allowing you or a loved one to remain in a safe, comfortable, familiar environment, while having your personal needs fulfilled. To that end, you might consider getting help with the following:

• Personal care, including bathing, dressing, and taking care of other aspects of basic hygiene
• Introduction of a personal emergency response system at home in case severe breathing problems develop
• Ambulatory service, such as transportation and an escort to and from various doctors’ appointments, which may be necessary in your care 
• Medication management to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions or side effects and to ensure that prescribed drugs for COPD, as well as medications for other conditions, are being taken properly
• Money management, such as paying bills, updating bank records, and the like
• Assistance with accessing financial or insurance entitlements and other benefits, and dealing with legal issues, such as power of attorney or advance directives
• Scheduling of doctors’ appointments, laboratory or imaging tests, and other necessary meetings
• Arrangements for getting medical equipment and other supplies for home use
• Companionship or respite care, which may allow loved ones a needed break