Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are lung conditions that cause difficulty inhaling or exhaling. COPD is caused by or may be known as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. COPD causes permanent damage to your lungs, making it hard for you to breathe.

Living with COPD
Although COPD is a serious illness, it can be controlled with positive health habits, medications, and changes in your environment. At Sparrow Home Care we have a nine-step process that systematically helps educate you and your caregiver to manage your disease. Of course, this process can be extended and is always individualized for each patient encounter.

Step 1:
Disease management
Medication management
Safety
Psycho/social aspects
Community resources

Step 2:
Expands your knowledge of disease management
Continues with medication teaching
Discusses nutritional/fluid intake
Discusses activity management
Safety precautions
Discusses tests, treatment and equipment
Assists with community resources

Disease Management Programs: Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Congestive Heart Failure Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Diabetes/Type 1 or 2 with insulin Diabetes/Type 2 without insulin Heart Attack High Blood Pressure Pressure Ulcer (wound)

Quick Links: Disease Management Programs Sparrow's Mission Statement Telephone Numbers You May Need Patient Bill of Rights Problem Resolution Procedures Medicare Patient Information Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Some content courtesy of Innovative Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (From Step by Step, Guide to Better Health)

Step 3:
Will continue to expand on the above learning opportunities and discuss psycho/social interventions and help you develop techniques to live better with COPD. Additionally, step 3 will teach you how to clear mucus, tips on staying healthy, and teach relaxation techniques.

Throughout the course of your visits, Sparrow Home Care nurses will teach you positions for easier breathing, food tips, breathing exercises, about respiratory medications, metered-dose inhalers, and oxygen safety. We will provide you with a peak flow, symptom, activity, and diet log. We will set up a medication schedule and help you develop an action plan for better disease management.

With each continuing step of our 9-step process we set attainable goals for you to meet. We measure your awareness or the awareness of the caregiver to ensure all aspects of the goals are being met. Many times we need to step back - and that is OK, the 9-step process is easily modified. The goals are guidelines for us to follow to ensure a comprehensive approach to care. As always, your physician develops your plan of care and directs the nursing and therapy staff in modifying your plan of care to best meet your needs.

Insurance reimbursed homecare must be under the direction of your physician. Remember to ask for SPARROW HOME CARE - the best choice for home care services in mid-Michigan. Celebrating over 20 years of service.