You Want to Help Them. And You Can.

Whether you're a spouse, relative, companion, or friend — whether you will be the primary caregiver, or simply "part of the team" — you can play an important role. There will be challenges along the way, but meeting those challenges can also be fulfilling.

When someone close to you has COPD, there are a lot of ways you can help:

• Understand COPD as a disease: its symptoms, and how it's managed
• Know when to call a doctor or emergency care
• Keep track of doctor visits and help your loved one arrive on time
• Attend doctor visits as a second set of eyes and ears, and also to hear firsthand what you can do to help
• Understand and encourage helpful lifestyle choices
• Offer support for treatment programs
• Keep track of medications, make sure they are taken as directed, and help refill as necessary
• Help with shopping, preparation of meals, and other daily living activities
• Take care of yourself, too