Disclaimer: These guides are not a substitute for medical advice – always seek professional help. Remember, healthcare professionals will not share information about a patient unless they have been permitted to do so.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)
On this page:
- If your parent has asthma or COPD then they are likely to be using an inhaler to control their condition.
- Inhaler Technique for Elderly Patients with Asthma or COPD
- Common Inhaler Technique Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Helping Elderly Parents Use Their Asthma Inhaler Correctly
- Inhaler Training at Home: Videos, Pharmacies, and Support
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Information
- Get your FREE COPD Toolkit
If your parent has asthma or COPD, chances are they use an inhaler to manage their breathing. But are they getting the right amount of medicine into their lungs?
When an inhaler is used the wrong way, the medicine often doesn’t reach the lungs. This can leave someone breathless, wheezing, and at greater risk of flare-ups. Sadly, poor inhaler use is common, especially among older adults.
Specialists in the UK Inhaler Group say it’s vital for healthcare professionals to help patients improve their inhaler use. But for many older people, getting to the GP for this kind of support is difficult or even impossible.
Inhaler Technique for Elderly Patients with Asthma or COPD
If your parent struggles with arthritis, shaky hands, poor eyesight, or memory problems, using an inhaler exactly as prescribed can be tough. Even missing one small step, like shaking the inhaler or breathing in at the right moment, can reduce how much medicine gets to their lungs.
Arthritis, tremors, and weak grip strength can make pressing or holding an inhaler difficult. Consider asking the pharmacist about a spacer device, which makes it easier to inhale the medicine properly. Some inhalers have softer buttons or twist mechanisms that are easier for older hands to manage.
Common Inhaler Technique Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people:
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Forget to shake the inhaler before use
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Breathe in too soon or too late
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Don’t hold their breath after inhaling
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Skip cleaning the mouthpiece
Knowing these mistakes means you can help your parent avoid them, and get more benefit from their medicine.
Helping Elderly Parents Use Their Asthma Inhaler Correctly
Caring for a parent with asthma is not just about reminding them to take their inhaler. It’s about making sure they’re using it correctly every single time. Keep the inhaler in an easy-to-reach spot, and check the expiry date regularly. If your parent’s eyesight is poor, label the inhaler with large, clear text. Encourage them to sit upright when using it, as this helps the medicine reach deep into the lungs.
Inhaler Training at Home: Videos, Pharmacies, and Support
You don’t need to leave home to get expert inhaler advice. Some pharmacies offer video consultations where they watch your parent use the inhaler and give real-time tips. Asthma UK’s online step-by-step guides are free and tailored to different inhaler types. Keeping a printed checklist by the inhaler can act as a daily reminder.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help for Breathing Problems in Elderly COPD or Asthma
Even with correct inhaler use, asthma or COPD symptoms can flare. Call the GP urgently if your parent:
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Struggles to speak in full sentences
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Has blue or grey lips or fingertips
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Is using their reliever inhaler more than every four hours
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Becomes unusually tired or confused
Fast action can prevent hospital stays and more serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT OUR CARENTS SAY
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Medically reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025
Unlock your free COPD Toolkit
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can be challenging, both for those affected and for the carents who support them. At Carents, we understand the complexities involved in caring for someone with COPD. That’s why we’ve compiled our most valuable resources into a comprehensive COPD Support Toolkit, designed to provide practical advice and information to help you navigate this journey
Simply complete the form and the toolkit will be sent to you via email.