How does a family member provide support, while encouraging or enabling independence?
Functional and symptom relief come from an understanding of the disease process and the prescribed treatment by the doctor. Emotional relief and support comes from such understanding and empathy. You can learn about COPD and treatments for it, and you can help to educate your loved one who has COPD. You can help support your loved one in overcoming the barriers to activities that will improve their quality of life. Here are some simple suggestions to consider. Difficulty breathing can often lead to fear and anxiety. You can remind your loved one to learn and use relaxation and pursed lips breathing techniques that can quickly restore calm. Staying at home can be like a prison sentence. Thus, although it may be a struggle physically and emotionally to get out of the house, the result can be to feel better. Getting out for physical exercise, for a game of bridge, or even to meet with a psychologist, can bring a new lease on life. You can encourage and facilitate such outings. The person
