Father smoker's cough COPD?

My father has been smoking since he was 14, never quit, and in recent years has smoked even more than before. He hasn't been to the doctor, but I'm 100% sure he has COPD. Whenever you see him, he's coughing practically constantly. You can hear the coughing fits throughout the house!!! I think anyone who has/had to deal with smoker's cough on this scale knows what I'm talking about. The cough these days is more of a gasp for air that ends in a phlegmy wheeze.

I'm only 17, but I'd love to move out immediately (and not only for that reason). I feel like I'm watching my father slowly but surely "suffocate," even though I know that most COPD patients die of heart failure.

Quit smoking? He'll probably never manage it. He's tried what feels like 50 times, each of which has failed. If you tell him not to smoke, try to persuade him, take away his cigarettes, etc., he reacts extremely.

On the one hand, I just want to talk about it, or maybe scare off people for whom it's not too late yet. On the other hand, maybe someone has some advice or experience with this situation??! I have no idea whether I should just let him get on with it or do something about it. I think he has to want it himself, which, as I said, will probably NEVER happen until he dies.

Thanks for all the answers.