Caregivers of a parent or spouse with Parkinson’s Disease often find themselves overwhelmed and burned out because of the new role they are entrusted with: taking care of a loved one who isn’t mentally or emotionally well. Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) — a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement — is different from caring for a senior with restricted mobility or dementia, which makes it all the more challenging. But with a few expert recommendations, you can help your parents with PD live the best possible quality of life.
Learn how to care for your parents with Parkinson’s Disease:
Support during the diagnosis
Diagnosing PD and deciding the best treatment option generally requires several visits to the doctor. This can be overwhelming for the person, which is why your support is critical during this time. Your support will make sure that they keep up with their appointments, never miss follow-up visits, and get their every question answered.
Encouraging treatment
Many times, seniors with doctor-diagnosed PD feel discouraged and decide to leave their treatment halfway. As a caregiver to a parent or spouse with PD, it’s your job to support them in every way possible to keep them motivated and ensure that they follow through the treatment.
Day-to-day life
As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, people often require help with activities of daily living and staying active during the day. Besides, they most likely need a safer home space to minimize the risk of slips and falls, which is prevalent among seniors with PD. You may have to ensure that they are able to manage their daily living activities and remain safe in the comfort of home. You can also seek help from a home health professional to take care of their daily errands and personal needs.
Emotional support
Parkinson’s Disease may impact a person’s mental health, resulting in anxiety and depression. It can also take a toll on their thinking and communication. As a caregiver of a parent or spouse with PD, you should provide them with much-needed support to help them combat all the challenges the PD brings.
If your parent or spouse has Parkinson’s Disease, consider getting in touch with Chris Cooper to know more about how you can care for them. You can also buy his best-selling book “Eldercare Confidential,” which is a candid guide for caregivers to help them care for the elderly in the best manner possible.