The Gerontologist, Vol 35, Issue 2 267-270, Copyright © 1995 by The Gerontological Society of America
An innovative approach to respiratory management for long-term care patients
JS Taylor, J Gleason and L Grady
Division of Extended Care, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that
incapacitates a person physically, psychologically, and socially. Most of
the supportive literature of respiratory care programs addresses
noninstitutionalized patients. Many long-term care patients have
relinquished much of their responsibility for self-care and health
promotion. Patients often lack knowledge of the meaning of their disease,
the role of exercise, nutrition, smoking, and medication. These factors,
coupled with long-term institutionalization, contribute to progressively
increasing disability. Our COPD program builds on the concepts of
enablement and excess disability. A multidisciplinary team provides
patients with the "tools" that allow them to take active responsibility for
their health.
