It’s hard to imagine that some 50 years ago cigarette smoking was widely accepted in restaurants, on airplanes, and even in hospitals. Cigarettes could be purchased in vending machines and were glamorized in the movies. Sadly, many seniors of today are dealing with the consequences of that culture and find themselves afflicted with some degree of COPD.
COPD is a general term for several progressive lung diseases that include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Those living with COPD suffer from cumulative lung damage that cannot be reversed, although symptoms can be managed and disease progression can be slowed with proper treatment.
Palliative care is instrumental in managing COPD. It helps patients achieve the best possible quality of life whatever the prognosis. Many COPD patients have a difficult time even walking across a room, let alone trekking to a clinic for care. Home health and hospice agencies offer palliative care in the convenience and comfort of a patient’s home. Whether that be a house, a senior community, skilled nursing facility, or hospital.
November is COPD Awareness Month and the start of flu season in many parts of the country. Remind your referring physicians about the many benefits of home care, especially for their patients suffering with chronic respiratory conditions. One major benefit, especially this time of year, is reducing the time spent in overcrowded waiting rooms for those who have compromised immune systems and are susceptible to infection.
Here are some ideas to raise lung health awareness in your community:
Volunteer to lead a COPD support group in your community. Introducing your services to your neighbors will allow them to better understand the options available through all types of home care agencies.
Distribute informative brochures to your local senior centers that list the symptoms, causes and risk factors for COPD, as well as the pulmonary rehabilitation services your agency provides.
Provide your referral network with informative material on effective smoking cessation strategies. Be sure to include your agency’s many COPD-related home health services.
Visit www.tagstore.com for all your Home Health and Hospice marketing essentials.
Resources: https://getpalliativecare.org/