Hi there... My first concern, given your family member's age and recent lack of mobility, is pneumonia. That is always a risk for fragile elderly who lie around much of the time, especially if they have any underlying airway disease. When we lie around, any fluid that may collect in the lungs is a sitting duck for infection, which can quickly lead to pneumonia. So, regular activity -- of any kind -- is an important prevention measure.

Deep breathing is another great step. So, you're on the right track. But first, focus on getting your family member to sit up part of the day or at least lie with her head elevated. In addition, try to get her to get up and move around (even if just to walk up and down the hall) every hour or two.

As far as breathing exercises, deep breathing is one strategy. Have her focus on breathing in slowly and deeply to a count of 5, then out again to a count of 5. Pursed lip breathing may also be of some help. This is where you breathe in deeply through your nose and then blow the air out through your mouth, with your lips pursed, as though to blow out a candle. Pursed lip breathing can provide some resistance in the airways, helping them to expand and relax.

Having said all that, I want to alert you also to the signs of pneumonia. If you notice them or have any concerns whatsoever, please call your loved one's doctor right away. Pneumonia isn't something you want an older person to just try to weather through. Medical attentions is crucial. The signs are often similar to a cold or the flu, often starting with a mucousy-cough and a fever, but also could include the following.

* Shortness of breath
* Sweating
* Shaking chills
* Chest pain that fluctuates with breathing (pleurisy)
* Headache
* Muscle pain
* Fatigue

Good luck!

Kathi

Kathi MacNaughton

8/11/09 5:32pm

One other thing... the breathing exercises should be done for about 2 to 5 minutes at a time at least every hour. Someone told my mom once (she has COPD) to do her breathing exercises every commercial break while watching TV and I thought that was a great suggestion!

 

Kathi

Bubbles 1

8/11/09 8:54pm

Thank you very much for your response.  It is difficult to care for an elderly parent and not alarm them with the health concerns we may have about them.  Her lungs seem to be sensitive due to her lack of deep breathing and inactivity.

For 2 years I have tried everything to get her mobile and emotionally active.  Our community has several options for senior day programs which will be very benifitial to her health and her mental outlook if she would only go.

Thankfully I am a tough nut and I won't give up on her.  I'll just keep coaxing a little at a time.

Kathi MacNaughton

8/11/09 11:48pm

Believe me... I understand. I am a caregiver for an elderly mother who has emphysema and lays around most of the day as well. I can tell you what to do, but I'm no expert in how you motivate them to do it!