Caring for a breathless patient at home

This following information is sourced from St Christopher's Hospice and St Margaret's Hospice and Hull York Medical School

Breathlessness is a very frightening symptom - and living with a breathless person can be very stressful.

Having some control over how you breathe, over your thinking and some practical ways to manage everyday activities can really help.

Anxiety and breathlessness are very linked - breathlessness make you anxious - and when you are anxious you breathe more quickly and less efficiently.

Top tips
  • Control your breath - watch the Managing breathlessness video from St Christopher's 
  • Think about your position - to get maximum air into your lungs
  • A flow of air by your nose from a hand-held fan or open window can really help
  • A cool wet flannel over your nose may help
  • What helps you to calm - music, TV, relaxation - try some of the guided meditations below
  • Eat small regular meals that are soft and don't need too much chewing
  • Practical tip - a towelling dressing gown instead of drying with a towel can save energy after a shower
Panic attacks

Think of 4 F's ! Fan, Flop muscles, Forward lean, Focus on long breath out

There are many excellent resources that can help you:

St Christopher's have also produced 4 very short  videos (each less than 4 minutes) 

To help you calm

St Margaret's Hospice have produced some brief videos to support guided relaxation and meditation

Meet and share with other people how to live better with breathlessness, you could try a Breathe Easy group if there is one near you

Recommended Resources

St Christopher's - Managing breathlessness

Published 1st April 2023

St Margaret's Hospice Care - Guided meditation

Published 10th April 2023

Hull York Medical School - A guide to living well with breathlessness

Published 1st January 2023

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Related Services

Basildon and Wickford Integrated Care Team
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The team deliver specialist care for palliative and end of life care at home, complex care at home e.g. chemotherapy management of Hickman/PICC lines and support to those who are housebound within their own home including residential homes.

Breatheasy groups
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The support group is a way to learn more about living with a lung condition and share your experiences and stories with others.

Farleigh Hospice Clinical Advice Line
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The advice line provides access to a member of the hospice team who is able to give advice on symptoms, nursing care and other needs relating to life-limiting illness and available between 8.00am and 8.00pm, 7 days a week.

Please call the advice line when:

  • advice is needed regarding hospice care and support
  • advice or information is needed regarding the management of symptoms
  • concerns about symptoms that need to be addressed before your next scheduled visit/appointment
  • reassurance is required for someone who is anxious about a change in their condition
St Francis Hospice Referral Hub
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St Francis Hospice Referral Hub

T. 01708 758606

W. https://www.sfh.org.uk/make-a-referral

The St Francis Hospice's referral hub can be accessed by those facing a life limiting condition. 

Please refer a patient or making a self-referral to access hospice services.

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27th February 2023

Caring at home - practical tips

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