Practical Tips for Caring for a Loved One with Parkinson’s | Disabled Person
There’s nothing easy about caring for someone
who has Parkinson’s disease. At the very least, your loved one will need rides
to doctor’s appointments, help with getting home upkeep or modifications, and
emotional support. But as the disease progresses, their dependence on their
caregiver will become more essential.
If you’ve taken on the role of being your
loved one’s caregiver, prepare as best you can while being conscious of your
own well-being in the process. Here are some things to think about.
Go All-In
As a caregiver, it’s important to determine
from the beginning that you will be involved in the process of your loved one’s
treatment and daily life. Make it a point to attend every doctor's appointment possible.
This not only will help you better understand how you can help your loved one,
but it will also help your doctor understand the side effects your loved one is
experiencing, how the disease is responding to treatment, and more.
If your loved one isn’t able to make decisions
or becomes incapacitated, a power of attorney will allow you to make crucial
decisions about their care and well-being. Depending on your power of attorney's
scope of authority, you may be able to make decisions about medical care,
managing finances and real estate holding, and filing taxes.
Learn as Much as You Can
Part of getting involved will mean that you
need to educate yourself. You need to understand every aspect of Parkinson’s
Disease so that you can care for your loved one in the best way possible. You’ll need to learn
how to identify various symptoms, how to manage them, and how to maintain an
evolving medication regimen. You’ll also need to educate yourself on what home
modifications could most benefit your loved one, as well as how
you can help them perform everyday tasks like bathing, getting dressed, and
eating.
Tap into the resources available to you.
Recognize that some preventative actions – like diet and exercise – can work
wonders for the body, but they aren’t necessarily miracle cures. So build
relationships with other people who are in similar situations, attend education
seminars, and connect with community organizations. Learning about the disease
and utilizing resources will help you to foster the well-being of your loved
one and make long-term care decisions.
Don’t
Go It Alone
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can
quickly become isolating. Don’t allow that to happen. Assemble a care team of
family members, friends, and neighbors. Even if you are the sole caregiver,
your team can assist with things like running errands and giving you
much-needed breaks. Also, make sure you have
a support group in place. It’s common for caregivers to experience
guilt, anger, and loneliness. So connected to individuals in your life who will
provide the emotional support that you need.
If
Necessary, Get Outside Help
The experience of Parkinson’s disease depends on how developed it is, and it can
affect people differently. You may be able to manage your caregiving
responsibilities by yourself. And there may come a time when you’re too
overwhelmed to do it on your own. Don’t hesitate to seek professional
assistance from a care facility or organization if it feels like you’re losing
control of the situation.
If it is determined that your loved one needs
to move into a long-term care facility, you’ll need to find the one that’s
right for them with state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate caregivers.
Before choosing a facility, research costs and amenities and read reviews
of nursing homes in your area..
All too often, our society is misguided when
it comes to aging care. Many of us are in denial, either out of guilt or an
inability to let go of youthfulness. Doing what’s right for them isn't always
easy, but in the end, they’ll be better off.
Exercise
Self-Care
Lastly, remember to consider your own health and well-being as you’re
caring for your loved one. Get the sleep you need and carry out a consistent
exercise routine. Stay alert and mentally prepared by eating a healthy diet.
Eat lighter meals, drink water or a smoothie instead of sugary drinks, and
snack on energy-boosting foods like apples and nuts. Also, try to maintain a
social life as much as you can, and take any other steps necessary to stay
healthy and well.
As a caregiver for somebody with Parkinson’s,
you have a challenging road ahead of you. But if you prepare diligently and
surround yourself with support, then you can provide your loved ones with the
care they need without losing sight of your own well-being in the process.
Along with following the tips above, keep researching how you can best serve
the needs of your loved one even if that means moving them into a long-term
care facility. And reach out to others to build your own support network.
If you have a disability, visit the Disabled
Person job board to find job opportunities for
companies committed to hiring employees with disabilities.