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How To Decide Between Home Care And Assisted Living

Patients with long-term care requirements may need to choose between staying at home or choosing a healthcare facility. With age, people can develop conditions that can interfere with daily activities and reduce independence. From making doctor’s appointments to getting around the house, patients that need long-term care may require home or facility care, depending on the condition and situation.

In-home care

Relatively healthy seniors or those that need long-time care can hire extra help at home for low-maintenance tasks. Home care services can provide patients with transportation to events or appointments, as well. An onsite caregiver can help spouses of patients that need long-time care. Hiring home care services can keep patients in familiar surroundings while receiving the appropriate treatment.

Choosing a Facility

Patients don’t have to be severely ill to live in an assisted living facility. Even healthy seniors can move into a facility to avoid certain difficult home duties or to be close to the family. Choosing a facility also avoids isolating the patient at home, if living alone. Some conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia can increase the need for selecting a facility.

End of life treatment

During the final moments of life, patients can choose to either enter a facility or receive hospice care at home. Some clients may prefer to pass away in familiar surroundings, albeit, some severe cases may require the additional resources and skill of a healthcare facility.

Home and facility care

In many cases of long-time care, patients may choose both in-home and facility treatment during specific parts of the rehabilitation or end-of-life care. For example, selecting a facility can be a valuable choice when family members aren’t available or the condition worsens. While cost should be considered, a doctor can guide patients toward an effective long-time care plan that works for everyone.

Finding the right facility

For cases that require around-the-clock support, families should visit multiple facilities and pay attention to the services provided, amenities, and quality of staff care. Family members can also speak to those living in the facility to get a better feel for the environment. Finding the right facility for long-time care requires careful consideration for the benefit of a loved one.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.