Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that offers tools, tips, and techniques for managing lung issues like COPD and lung cancer. It can help your senior to learn more about how her lungs function and what she can do to keep them as healthy as possible.
Less Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a big problem for people with COPD. It’s also one of the first issues pulmonary rehabilitation can help your senior to deal with on a daily basis. Your senior will gradually be able to exercise more and she’ll also learn tips and trick to help her to manage shortness of breath. Eventually, your elderly family member may experience shortness of breath far less often than she has in the past.
Lowered Anxiety Levels
Because breathing is so essential, problems with breathing can create high anxiety levels for your senior. When she’s able to get a better handle on the shortness of breath and other breathing problems, her anxiety levels start to come down more quickly. She may still experience some anxiety, but it’s likely to be far less than it was in the past.
Better Ability to Exercise
As she starts to feel more in control and stronger, exercise is going to be easier for your senior. Part of pulmonary rehabilitation involves exercising, so she’s gradually going to become a little more active over time. This can help her to get over any lingering fears that she has about exercising and being more active in general. After her time with pulmonary rehab is over, she can keep this going by continuing to exercise regularly.
Possibly Lower Risks of Hospitalization
As your senior starts to see all of these other improvements, she may be less likely to end up in the hospital. Her lungs are getting stronger and that can help her to fend off pneumonia and other lung infections that could lead to a hospital visit. The goal, of course, is to help your elderly family member to avoid the hospital for as long as she possibly can.
Improved Quality of Life
Overall, your senior’s quality of life is likely to improve because of what pulmonary rehab teaches her. All of these benefits allow her to pursue activities that she enjoys and that she wants to do. Something else to consider is that conserving her energy is still important. Hiring elderly care providers to handle bigger tasks, like housekeeping chores, can allow her to enjoy her new energy levels.
Your elderly family member might be able to get a lot more out of pulmonary rehab than the benefits listed here. The best part is that the program is tailored to your senior’s needs and health concerns.
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