How to Care for Your Caregiver

This article was written by Kalli Mago.

Every day, caregivers help people living with chronic diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe many chronic lung conditions. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. While there is no cure for COPD now, medical treatment can help people feel better. It can also keep symptoms from becoming worse over time.

Navigating life with COPD can be difficult. This is where caregivers come in, providing support in many ways.

The Role of Caregivers

Many people with COPD get help from family. Most often, caregivers are husbands, wives, or grown children.¹ Other relatives, friends, and neighbors can also help. In the United States, there are more than 63 million family caregivers. On average, each caregiver spends 27 hours per week caring for their loved one.²

Caregivers often help by

• scheduling medical appointments.
• communicating with health care providers.
• helping to keep track of medications.
• doing chores around the house or helping with other daily tasks.
• offering support and encouragement.

Caregivers can also help by recognizing new or worsening symptoms, which can lead to better treatment.

The Challenges of Caregiving

Caring for a loved one can be meaningful. However, it can also be difficult. Due to their busy schedules, some caregivers have problems at work. For example, they might have to reschedule meetings or use vacation time for doctor appointments. Caregivers often have little time for friends, hobbies, or self-care.³ Many end up feeling lonely, burnt out, or stressed. Some also have financial difficulties,³ which can add to their anxiety.

Tips to Care for Your Caregiver

If you are living with COPD and have a caregiver in your life, here are some ways you can show them support and care:

• Practice kindness. Navigating COPD can be stressful, both for the person with the disease and their loved ones. Make things easier by showing kindness when you can. Try to choose your words thoughtfully and express your gratitude often—through words, a written note, or a nice gesture.
• Connect them with community. Encourage them to talk with others who understand what they are going through. They can find community in person or online, such as on COPD360social.
• Prioritize open communication. The more your loved one knows about your symptoms, your treatment plan, and how you are feeling, the more easily they can support you. Communicate with your caregiver as often and as openly as you can.
• Encourage them to take some "me time." When people don't have time for self-care, hobbies, or rest, it takes a toll. Where possible, coordinate with your caregiver and encourage them to spend time on themselves.
• Share helpful resources. For example, the COPD Foundation Podcast explores topics relevant to many caregivers. Learn More Breathe Better® and Respiratory Health Association's Caregiver's Toolkit is another useful resource.

Caregivers are essential members of the COPD community. Each day, they make a real difference in COPD care, education, and advocacy. If you receive support from your loved ones, take time to recognize all they do and show them care. If you are a caregiver yourself, make sure to seek support, get rest, and care for yourself along the way.