It's also important to plan ahead.

• Since COPD can make a person more susceptible to influenza and lung infection, it's a good idea for your loved one to avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections. It's also important to consider a flu shot each year.
• Have emergency contact information close by. Just print our contact list, fill it out, post it, and share it with anyone else who's caring for your loved one with COPD.
• Find out what medicines your loved one is taking.
• Before taking any trip, whether to the store or for a vacation, make sure your loved one remembers to bring his or her medicine.