If you are an adult over 65 in New York and suffering from a respiratory condition, working with a respiratory therapist may be a solution to improve your quality of life. A respiratory therapist can help seniors stay healthy and active by providing customized care, education, and treatment.
Today, we are going to cover some key benefits of working with a respiratory therapist. From helping to manage respiratory health conditions to education on using breathing devices, there exists a wide range of services that a therapist can help provide to you or your loved one.
Benefits of Working with a Respiratory Therapist
Quicker Recovery from Acute Conditions:
One of the most immediate benefits of working with a respiratory therapist is that they can help you recover from an acute health condition more quickly. As part of post-procedural or post-surgical care, a doctor may include respiratory therapy as part of the aftercare plan.
Respiratory therapists are highly trained in helping patients manage their breathing and will work with you to create a specialized care plan that fits your individual needs. In addition, therapists can also provide you with education on how to take care of yourself at home and avoid exacerbating your condition while you recover.
Improved Quality of Life for People Experiencing Chronic Conditions:
For seniors suffering from chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, working with a respiratory therapist can greatly improve their quality of life.
A respiratory therapist can work with you and your doctors to develop a care plan that includes both treatments and lifestyle changes that can help ease symptoms and improve overall function. In addition, therapists can also provide much-needed support and education to patients and their families on how to best manage the condition.
Education On Breathing Techniques and Using Assistive Equipment:
Another benefit of working with a respiratory therapist is that they can provide you with education on proper breathing techniques and using assistive devices such as CPAP machines and portable oxygen.
For seniors, this is particularly important as many chronic conditions can make it difficult to breathe properly. Therapists can help you learn how to use these devices correctly and effectively so that you can get the most out of them.
Education for Families and Caregivers of Seniors:
Working with a respiratory therapist can also be beneficial for the families and caregivers of seniors. This is because therapists can provide much-needed education on how to best provide care in a way that aligns with their loved one’s treatment plan.
Education can include information on proper medication management, assistive devices, and breathing techniques. In addition, therapists can also offer support and resources to families who are struggling to care for their loved ones.
Help with Remaining More Physically Active:
As we age, it becomes more and more important to stay physically active in order to maintain our overall health. However, certain respiratory conditions can make this difficult.
Working with a respiratory therapist can help you develop an exercise plan that is tailored to your specific needs and condition. This way, you can still get the physical activity you need without exacerbating your condition.
Improved Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL) :
Many seniors find that their respiratory condition starts to interfere with their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. By maintaining a greater ability to perform ADLs, a senior can also benefit from greater independence and autonomy.
A respiratory therapist can help you by evaluating your specific needs and developing a care plan that will allow you to still safely perform these activities. In addition, therapists can also provide education on energy-conservation techniques that can help you perform ADLs with less effort.
Achieve Better Sleep:
Many seniors suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. These disorders can not only lead to fatigue and daytime drowsiness, but can also increase the risk of other health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.
A respiratory therapist can help you find the right treatment for your sleep disorder so that you can get the rest you need. In addition, they can also provide education on lifestyle changes that can help improve your sleep quality.
Alternative to Pharmaceutical Treatment for Some Patients:
In some cases, working with a respiratory therapist may be an alternative to taking medication for respiratory conditions.
This is because therapists can provide treatments such as nebulizer therapy and chest physiotherapy that can help to ease symptoms without the use of medication. In addition, therapists can also provide education on lifestyle changes that can help improve respiratory health.
Respiratory Therapy as Part of Your Rehabilitation Plan
At Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, our team of experienced respiratory therapists collaborates with your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan as part of your rehabilitation from a procedure or surgery. If you are in need of respiratory treatment in the New York Capital Region, contact us today to learn more about our approach and how we can best assist you in your recovery.