Helping with Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment

Supplemental Oxygen

If your loved one is prescribed supplemental oxygen, learn how the equipment works and how to use it safely.
Prepare an emergency plan in the event of a disaster or power outage. Work with the oxygen provider to have extra tanks and a portable charger or batteries, if they use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC).
Help fill out forms, address insurance issues or schedule refills.
Coordinate travel arrangements and complete any necessary medical forms.

Assist with Medication Management

Create a medication schedule and a list of all medications, including supplements, to take to each medical appointment.
Encourage your loved one to discuss medication side effects and palliative care with their healthcare provider.
Offer to pick up or arrange for medications to be delivered or shipped directly to the home.

Coordinate Medical Appointments

Help schedule and provide transportation to and from medical appointments.
Prepare a list of questions or concerns that your loved one can discuss with their healthcare provider.
Encourage your loved one to ask their doctor about clinical trials.

Lung Transplantation

Most transplant centers require patients to have a caregiver to help care for them through the transplant process. Offer to be that person if needed.
Attend patient and caregiver education classes so you understand your role and responsibilities.
Assist with travel, schedule medical appointments, help with health insurance and billing issues that may arise, or find virtual or in-person lung transplant support groups.

Support a Healthy Lifestyle

Prepare meals that help meet their nutrition goals. Encourage your loved one to be active and talk to their healthcare provider about attending pulmonary rehabilitation.
Stay up to date on vaccinations to protect you and your loved one against infectious respiratory diseases such as the flu.
Sign up for alerts that notify you about unhealthy indoor air quality and monitor or adjust activities during poor air quality days.
Offer help to research tobacco cessation programs and support your loved one when they are ready to quit.
Offer support, help with coping strategies to manage stress and encourage your loved one to speak with their healthcare provider about their emotional health.

Lung Health Navigators