Tips to Care for a Loved One with Parkinson’s Disease

When you learn that your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it can be a scary time for the whole family with many unknowns. This is a progressive disease with no cure, and it can affect seniors in many ways. But fortunately, no matter what kind of symptoms your senior will experience, there are specific steps you can take to help make this more manageable for your senior. Read on below to learn how you can care for the best during this time.

Education

First, get started by educating yourself about Parkinson’s Disease, and then sharing information with your family and friends. Learn about what exactly the disease is, how it will change your senior’s mind and body, and what to expect in the future.

Patience

Once you feel more knowledgeable about your senior’s new condition, the next thing you can do is to have patience. As your senior begins to experience changes, they will likely need additional time to perform basic tasks and they may also need some assistance. Be sure you are remaining patient with them and allowing for extra time necessary.

Support

If you want to show your senior that they are not in this alone and they have your support, we highly suggest getting active with them. Parkinson’s will begin to affect their body, movements, and reactions, so helping them get exercise and practice movements that are beneficial to them is a good idea. Learn which exercises will help them focus on balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.

Resources

The last thing to know is that you do not have to go through this all by yourself. Ask for help when you need it. In order to take the best care of your senior, you also need to make time to take care of yourself. Otherwise, you may experience caregiver burnout. Every once in a while, take some time off to recharge and get refreshed.

Caring Friends is here for you and your senior loved one when you need support. Our friendly care managers are just a phone call away at any given time, so please contact us if you are looking for assistance and great care services for your senior loved one.