A joint effort to affect lives - The COPD wellness program

Health care providers can work toward the goal of maintaining quality, dign ity, and independence in the elderly when they combine resources with the c ommunity to promote wellness and help manage chronic problems. The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Wellness Program was undertaken for th is purpose. The target participants were elderly individuals and their care partners who met the program qualifications: a diagnosis or symptoms of CO PD and residency in a certain independent housing facility. The program was designed to help the participants maximize their independence through know ledge and improved management of their disease process.