Strathcarron Hospice teams hailed by Clacks man over COPD care

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Coalsnaughton man helped by Strathcarron Hospice teams in the community has spoken of the importance of their support as part of World COPD Awareness Month.Robert Crow was diagnosed with emphysema and plural plaques (asbestos in the lungs) in 2012 aged 55.COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.Robert said: “It can be scary sometimes when I can’t get my breath and difficult to breathe.“The support we have received from the Hospice has been amazing.

The Strathcarron staff are all gems, I can’t sing their praises high enough. There is a real calmness to the Strathcarron staff - they really are fantastic.“The Hospice Live Your Life Team have been brilliant and it is good to be able to talk to a real person over the phone when you have questions.”Robert is also a member of Strathcarron’s men’s online community group ‘The Happy Mondays’ where they meet via Zoom and have a cuppa and chat.He adds: “I have been part of the group for a year now and really look forward to it.

We have built up nice friendships even though we are all spread out across various locations.“I get a lot of enjoyment from our catch ups hearing everyone’s news.

There is a level of understanding there which is supportive as we can share our experiences about our illnesses and the challenges we are having.”Approximately 80 per cent of the work of the hospice takes place within our local communities.If you suffer from breathlessness as part of your condition, their Allied Health Professionals team recommend the following tips to help alleviate symptoms:Use a hand held fan: Cooling the area around the cheeks, nose and mouth is thought to send signals to the brain which