D1.12 Non-medical care agencies

Many patients with COPD have difficulties with activities of daily living and may require a range of non-medical support services, including governmental and non-governmental organisations. Availability of services varies between states and between areas within states (eg, urban, rural, remote). Some examples include:

• financial support and organisation of oxygen, CPAP machines, nebulisers, etc;
• Homecare;
• government-supported assistance with activities of daily living (showering, cleaning, shopping, etc);
• home maintenance;
• Meals on Wheels;
• exercise programs; and
• support groups.