A Parkinson’s diagnosis is life-changing and stressful, but modern medicine has made it possible for people with this condition to live full and happy lives for many years. While you might still be reeling from the news, you can be proactive in helping your senior loved one figure out how to handle the disease. Once you take a deep breath, reach out to let your loved one know you can help in the following ways.
1. Start Learning More about Parkinson’s
Many people are unfamiliar with Parkinson’s and its symptoms until someone they love receives a diagnosis. The disease can also progress differently from one person to the next, which means you may want to brush up on your knowledge even if you already have some experience with helping someone else. You’ll get the best information from your loved one’s healthcare provider, but you can also look up trusted resources online and contact a support group in your area for additional educational opportunities.
2. Encourage Your Loved One to Talk about His or Her Experience
Someone who just received a life-altering diagnosis is likely experiencing a wide range of emotions. Reach out to your loved one and make sure he or she knows you’re a safe person to confide in. If your loved one would rather talk to a professional, help him or her find a counselor or therapist who’s experienced in helping people learn to live with chronic health conditions.
3. Ask if Your Loved One Needs Help Planning for Care
Your loved one might feel like he or she is in a sudden whirlwind filled with multiple tasks that all accompany figuring out his or her care plan. For now, you can help your loved one find a specialist and make appointments for any follow-up care and testing he or she needs. This is also a good time to start figuring out how your loved one will get to and from medical appointments, especially as his or her abilities decrease.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
4. Offer to Assist with Your Loved One’s Treatment Plan
Most people with Parkinson’s disease take medication to manage their symptoms. Your loved one might also need to attend therapy sessions to maintain his or her abilities. If your loved one experiences memory issues or cognitive decline, you might need to help him or her figure out an appropriate medication management plan. Having someone monitor the side effects of new medications is also helpful for making sure your loved one is transitioning well to the treatment plan.
5. Create a Support Network with Designated Caregivers
The time to start planning for the future is now. Depending on your loved one’s symptoms, he or she might already need support at home, or you may prefer to plan ahead by discussing who your loved one prefers to help with his or her needs. Bringing in a home caregiver a few times a week helps your loved one get used to receiving assistance before it’s needed around the clock.
Fremont respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, home care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
6. Remember to Take Time for Self-Care
Caring for someone with any type of long-term health condition gets overwhelming. During the times your loved one is with another caregiver, remember to carve out time to care for yourself. Exercising, eating right, and engaging in hobbies all help you maintain your physical and mental strength for continuing to serve as an important part of your loved one’s care team.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Fremont home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Call us today at (510) 270-4948 to learn about our high-quality home care.
