How to increase an awareness of chronic lung conditions in the elderly and help residents manage their symptoms.

Prepared By: Merran Jones
Presented By: Wellness & Lifestyles Australia

Have you ever noticed a resident struggling with severe breathlessness or a cough that they can’t seem to manage? Have you ever found yourself not knowing what to do to help someone in this situation?
There is a rapidly increasing number of elderly people with chronic respiratory issues in aged care facilities. This training can help give staff, resident’s, family and friends an understanding of what’s going on and how to help manage it.

What this training can do for you…

• Provide an general understanding of what COPD is and the different types of COPD that develop
• Enable you to recognise different signs & symptoms associated with the disease
• Provide advice on what management options are available

Included in this training is…

• The causes of COPD
• How COPD is diagnosed
• Exacerbations and complications associated with COPD
• Definitions and signs & symptoms of the two different types of COPD – Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
• Treatment of COPD, including some tips for staff, residents and family members to help manage symptoms
• Prognosis of COPD

Who should use this training…

This training is beneficial for allied health professionals, nursing staff, care staff, family and friends and anyone else in contact with residents with respiratory issues.

Previous studies have shown that an increased awareness, hence increased involvement in the identification and management of COPD has reduced hospitalisation, improved self- and assisted-management and improved the overall quality of life in individuals. The development of a package by Wellness & Lifestyles that addresses these issues has the potential to do the same for residents in aged care facilities.

Whilst this education session doesn’t cover all aspects of chronic respiratory disease, it does give a good overview of the types of COPD, associated symptoms, management tips and other treatment options available. If a person is in doubt at any time whilst caring for an elderly person with COPD it is important that they know who to inform. Awareness and management of COPD is vital to maintaining quality of life.

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