Breathe easier: Living well at home with COPD
World COPD Day – 19 November 2025
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11 November 2025
Stories
| Home Care
Each year, World COPD Day raises awareness about the importance of lung health. Held on the third Wednesday of November and led by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), this year’s theme is Short of Breath, Think COPD.
It’s a reminder that while Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is common, preventable and treatable, many people live with it without knowing. At BaptistCare at home, we’re here to help people with COPD – and their families – stay comfortable, supported and connected in the place they know best: home.
What is COPD?
COPD is a term for a group of long-term lung conditions, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, the airways become narrow, making it hard to breathe. Air can get trapped in the lungs, which may lead to breathlessness, coughing and less energy for everyday activities.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough (often with mucus), shortness of breath (especially when moving around), chest tightness and tiredness. COPD isn’t the same as asthma, although the two can sometimes overlap.
The main cause of COPD is smoking, but other factors such as air pollution, long-term exposure to irritants or lung damage from illness can also play a part. While changes to the lungs can’t usually be reversed, early diagnosis and good management can make a big difference. With the right care and support, many people with COPD continue to live full and active lives.
How common is COPD in Australia?
COPD affects many Australians, especially as we get older. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 638,000 people – about 2.5% of the population – were living with COPD in 2022. Around one in fourteen Australians aged 65 and over had the condition.
Because COPD is often under-diagnosed, there may be more people living with it than the numbers show. That’s why raising awareness and encouraging early testing is so important.
Why World COPD Day matters
World COPD Day began in 2002 and brings together health professionals, community organisations and people living with COPD across more than 50 countries.
The aim is simple: to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and help people get the support they need. Anyone struggling to breathe is being encouraged to talk to their doctor and ask about testing. Early detection can help people start treatment sooner and improve quality of life. By spreading awareness, World COPD Day helps empower people to take charge of their lung health.
How BaptistCare at home supports people with COPD
At BaptistCare at home, we focus on helping people live well. Our teams work closely with clients and their families to provide care that’s practical, personal and built around individual goals.
Here’s how just some of our services can help someone living with COPD:
- Nursing care – With regular monitoring of lung health and oxygen levels, guidance on inhaler use, and early detection of worsening symptoms, our nurses support you in managing your respiratory health.
- Allied health – Through gentle exercise, breathing techniques, safe movement, and home modifications, our physiotherapists and occupational therapists help make daily life easier while conserving your energy.
- Personal care – When everyday tasks feel tiring, we can help with things like showering, dressing, meal preparation and light housework, helping you feel supported and maintain your independence.
- Transition care – For people moving between hospital and home, our care services can help bridge the gap. We can coordinate follow-up appointments, manage medications, and provide short-term nursing or allied health support to make the return home smoother and safer.
No matter the stage of your COPD, we’re here to help make each day easier, safer, and more fulfilling.
This World COPD Day, breathe a little easier
While living with COPD can make breathing harder, with the right support in place, many people continue to enjoy life, stay connected and live safely at home.
If you or someone you care for is living with COPD, contact BaptistCare at home to find out how we can support you to live well at home.