Problems will arise and plans are likely to need to change when you are living with breathlessness – even with the best prioritising and planning.
Being able to problem-solve together to overcome these problems will help get you both back on track.
There are lots of activities you can do together, and some might even help the patient’s breathlessness.
Steps for problem-solving together – Ask yourselves ‘what is the problem?’ Does it help to break it down into smaller pieces? – Ask yourselves ‘what might help solve this problem?’ Can someone else help or give advice? Try to think of solutions with the patient that meet both of your needs. – Decide which solution is best. It can help to think of the pros and cons of each. Listen to the patient’s concerns. The solution: contact the doctor to see if a phone consultation or home visit can be arranged.Have you tried...?
Sarah needs to see the doctor for a new prescription but she can’t travel as she is too breathless
Rebook Sarah’s appointment for the next day?
Phone the pharmacy/GP for advice?
Could the doctor do a phone consultation or home visit instead?
Rebook Sarah’s appointment for the next day? Cons: she feels she can’t wait that long
Phone the pharmacy/GP for advice? Cons: she may need more specialist advice, or they can’t give a prescription.
Could the doctor do a phone consultation or home visit instead? Pros: She doesn’t need to travel and the doctor can give her specialist advice and a prescription.
In the video below, carers talk about how they problem-solve together, with the patient, to overcome the challenges of breathlessness
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Page last reviewed: 08/05/2020
