How to Use this Toolkit
Caring for someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be complicated. This toolkit is designed to support caregivers like you. It answers five questions most COPD caregivers face at some point in their experience. Some sections may apply to you more than others, so you can start wherever you’d like, based on your needs. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find some useful forms and checklists to help you prepare for doctor visits, track medications and vaccinations, develop a helpful contact list, and more.
Modules
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Find information on COPD management
Learn more about COPD signs and symptoms, related health concerns, proper use of inhalers and other medication devices, and ways to manage and avoid flare-ups.
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Learn how to manage COPD at home
Be sure that the home environment supports the care plan for the person with COPD and review home safety challenges and solutions.
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Questions for the doctor
Make the most of appointments with these sample questions to ask the healthcare provider and find tips on tracking medications, vaccinations, and symptoms.
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Recognize and prepare for emergencies
Recognize and prepare for COPD flare-ups and emergencies, from knowing the early signs through managing care after a hospitalization.
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Find self-care tips
Caregivers need to take care of themselves, too. Review these tips to support your mental and physical health as a caregiver.
Checklists and Forms
Download, fill out, and print these checklists and forms to help you care for your loved one with COPD.
- Questions to ask the doctor (PDF)
- Medication tracking sheet (PDF)
- Vaccination tracking sheet (PDF)
- Contact list (PDF)
- Before a COPD flare-up or emergency (PDF)
- After a COPD hospitalization (PDF)
For more information and resources on COPD for patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers, please visit the partners of the Breathe Better Network.
For more federal resources, visit the National Institute on Aging's Caregiving Toolkit.