When you care for someone in the home, you must also manage that person's health care. This means choosing a good medical team, keeping costs down, arranging for medical appointments, and getting the best, least expensive medicines. It also means knowing what the insurance rules are and, most important, being an advocate (a supporter) for the person in your care.
Chronic lung diseases are often complex and when the disease is severe the services of a pulmonologist (doctor who deals only with the lungs) and an infectious disease specialist who has experience dealing with non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease (NTM) are required. If the care receiver needs lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema, then a surgeon who specializes in this type of surgery is also needed.
The lung disease team may include nurse practitioners or physician assistants who may be the primary care specialists, nurses who specialize in chronic lung disease, respiratory (breathing) specialists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and psychiatrists. Cardiologists (heart doctors) may also need to be consulted as many people with lung disease also have heart disease. A lung transplant specialist can also be consulted.
Doctors and nurses can focus on physical diagnosis and may ignore the emotional aspects of care. Sometimes they have little time to consider the spiritual aspects of healing. Although you should consult with professionals about the levels of therapy and support needed for the person in your care, you do not have to accept what they suggest or order. Keep asking questions until you completely understand the diagnosis (what is wrong), treatment, and prognosis (likely outcome).
