Maria M. Meyer and Paula Derr, with Mary Gilmartin

Contributing writers

About

Maria M. Meyer has been a longtime advocate of social causes, beginning with her work as cofounder of the Society for Abused Children of the Children's Home Society of Florida and founding executive director of the Children's Foundation of Greater Miami. When her father-in-law suffered a stroke in 1993, Meyer became aware of the need for better information about how to care for an aging parent, a responsibility shared by millions of Americans. That experience led her to found CareTrust Publications and to coauthor the award-winning guide The Comfort of Home: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide for Caregivers , now in its third edition. This book earned the Benjamin Franklin Award in the health category. Meyer is a keynote speaker and workshop leader on caregiver topics to healthcare professionals and community groups, as well as a Caregiver Community Action Network volunteer for the National Family Caregiver Association.

Paula Derr has been employed by the Sisters of Providence Health System for more than 25 years. She has broad experience in many different clinical settings and for many years served as clinical educator for three emergency departments in the Portland metropolitan area. She was a founder of inforMed, which publishes emergency medical services field guides for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, physicians, and nurses, and has coauthored numerous healthcare articles. For Derr, home care is a family tradition of long standing. For many years, she cared for her mother and grandmother in her home while raising two daughters and maintaining her career in nursing and healthcare management. Paula is active in several prominent professional organizations and has held both local and national board positions. Paula is a native Oregonian and lives with her husband in Portland.

Mary Gilmartin is a nurse specialist and coordinator of the COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Clinical Research Network at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado. National Jewish Medical Center has been rated first in the nation for treatment of lung disease by U.S. News & World Report . For more than 30 years, Gilmartin has worked with people who have severe lung disease. Her focus has been to educate both patients and their families about lung disease to help them have more control over the illness.

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Tuesday August 04, 2009

    1. What Is Chronic Lung Disease?

      Article - What is chronic lung disease? There are actually three different kinds of chronic lung disease. Learn the signs and symptoms of each type of chronic lung disease. 8 Comments

    2. Questions to Ask About Surgery for Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - Surgery is a serious step. You and the person you're caring for should ask as many questions as you need to before he decides to go ahead. 1 Comment

  2. Monday July 20, 2009

    1. Symptoms of COPD

      Article - Learn how to recognize COPD symptoms, about COPD disease, and available COPD treatments at Caring.com. 53 Comments

  3. Thursday July 16, 2009

    1. What Is Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?

      Article - ILD is actually a broad category of lung diseases that affect the tissue in the lungs around the air sacs and blood vessels. These parts of the lung become inflamed and/or scarred, which leads to problems with getting oxygen out of the air and into the bloodstream.

  4. Monday July 06, 2009

    1. Equipment and Supplies for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - When providing elder care for someone with chronic lung disease, it is often necessary to procure the right medical equipment. Learn what medical supplies are required for proper chronic lung caregiving.

    2. Lung Disease Caregiving Support and Resources

      Article - Learn what helpful elder care resources and services are available for lung disease caregivers.

  5. Tuesday May 12, 2009

    1. Setting Up a Plan of Care for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - A care plan is a daily record of the care and treatment a person needs after a hospital stay. Learn how to set up a Chronic Lung Disease care plan.

    2. Causes of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Disease (NTM)

      Article - What are the causes of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Disease (NTM)? Learn what doctors think and who is most at risk for developing Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Disease.

    3. Keeping the Airways Clear

      Article - Excess mucus in the lungs due to COPD or NTM makes breathing more difficult. Learn ways to clear mucus from lungs and airways to get relief.

    4. Frequently Used Medications for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

      Article - Medications for COPD include bronchodilators, corticosteroids and antibiotics. Learn more about these COPD medications and other treatments. 6 Comments

    5. Frequently Used Medications for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

      Article - Medications for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) include anti-inflammatories and immune suppressing drugs. Learn more about Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) drugs.

    6. Preparing the Home

      Article - Preparing the home for someone with chronic lung disease is an important step in ensuring their comfort and safety.

    7. Checklist: Things to Do Before Selecting an Agency

      Article - How do you select a home care agency? Use this handy checklist to help guide your home care agency selection.

  6. Monday May 11, 2009

    1. Loss of Electricity and Oxygen Use

      Article - If using oxygen, it is essential that you have a back-up plan if you lose electricity. Here are some simple tips to keep oxygen flowing during a loss of electricity.

    2. Meal Planning for COPD Patients

      Article - Eating small meals more often is the best choice for those with COPD. A COPD diet should be balanced but also depends on whether the goal is to lose weight or maintain weight. 6 Comments

    3. Symptoms of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Disease (NTM)

      Article - Symptoms of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Disease (NTM) include fever, weight loss, coughing, lack of appetite, lack of stamina and night sweats.

    4. Lung Disease Rehabilitation

      Article - What is lung disease rehabilitation? Learn the goals of lung disease rehabilitation and what most lung disease rehabilitation programs offer, including exercise, nutrition and support. 1 Comment

  7. Tuesday April 28, 2009

    1. Symptoms of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

      Article - The most common symptoms are shortness of breath with activity and a dry cough. Some people may also have a fever, weight loss, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.

  8. Sunday April 26, 2009

    1. What Is Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Disease (NTM)?

      Article - Mycobacteria are a group of germs that can cause disease. Tuberculosis is caused by one type of mycobacteria, and it is highly contagious. NTM is similar to tuberculosis, but it cannot be passed from one person to another.

    2. Frequently Used Medications for Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

      Article - Antibiotics are usually prescribed for NTM, sometimes three to five different kinds. This medication may be needed for several years. Antibiotics have many side effects, and people who take them should be carefully monitored. Sometimes, antibiotics are given using a needle placed directly into a vein...

  9. Wednesday January 28, 2009

    1. Surgical Options for Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - This is specifically for people with emphysema. The surgeon removes the part of each lung that is most severely affected by emphysema. The purpose is to remove the most overinflated portions of the lungs to allow the more normal parts to function better. 1 Comment

  10. Thursday January 08, 2009

    1. Oral Care for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - Tips on providing oral care, including teeth and mouth cleaning, to your loved one with chronic lung disease.

  11. Wednesday January 07, 2009

    1. Toileting Help for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - Practical steps to help caregivers learn how to work with patients with chronic lung disease to reduce toileting stress.

  12. Thursday December 04, 2008

    1. Exercise as Part of Life with Chronic Lung Disease

      Article - Physical activity and good nutrition are perfect partners in good health. This winning combination finds a balance between what one eats and one's daily activities. Together they help in managing weight and providing energy. Exercise and staying active are a very important part of fighting chronic lung disease...

  13. Friday November 14, 2008

    1. Nursing Homes

      Article - This option is for people who require continuous and ongoing nursing assistance or monitoring.