Self management of chronic illness is central to long term rehabilitation but many people find
making significant changes to the way they lead their lives very difficult and need additional
support. This is
where COPD Support Groups can help:
The Aim of Support Groups
The aim of
a COPD support group is to offer support to individuals and their families and carers who have been affected by illness. They can:
·
Share
experiences
·
Provide
information on the illness, on medications and on new developments etc.
· Offer advice on healthy
lifestyles, such as diet and nutritional information or help with, for example,
smoking cessation.
·
Organise social events
and outings.
·
Promote continuing
rehabilitation.
What do COPD Support Groups do?
·
Support
groups are primarily run by members for members with some help from health
professionals and others.
·
Groups meet regularly for a couple of hours
·
Guest speakers are invited e.g. Pharmacists,
Specialist Nurses and Physiotherapists or other
relevant professionals.
·
Other guest
speakers can also be invited to talk on local or general interest topics
·
Refreshments are
available and there is an opportunity to mix and chat with other members
·
Some groups form
walking clubs, have exercise sessions or organise
social events like table quizzes and outings.
·
COPD Support
Groups can be an opportunity to highlight concerns and can act as a voice for
its members
·
Groups can also
fundraise for local charities or hospitals.
C.O.P.D. Support
Group
Come along
share your experiences, meet socially with others who understand and learn more
about how you can self-manage your condition.
The Group
meets every two months
CONTACT DETAILS
Michael McGloin
Email:
Michael@copdsupport.ie
TEL NO: 071 9143172
C.O.P.D. Support Group
“Alone we can do so little : Together we can make a difference.”