When you are a caregiver to a person who has Parkinson’s disease, you have many responsibilities.
The role of a caregiver is not easy. There are several tips for Parkinson caregivers that will give you the guidance and advice you need to help your loved one during this difficult time. Some of the responsibilities you may have are:
- Becoming educated about the disease
- Keeping track of any appointments and medication schedules your loved one may have
- Providing your loved one with the necessary support and love he or she needs as the disease progresses
- Helping to maintain your loved one’s quality of life
The Challenges You May Deal With
Caregivers are not the only ones that face challenges during this journey. Those living with Parkinson’s disease also deal with daily challenges. One day your loved one may be able to carry out their activities of daily living without much assistance. However, the next day your loved one may be totally dependent on you for care. Although this is how the disease progresses in many patients, caregivers may feel as though they are being used or manipulated. One of the tips for Parkinson caregivers that is very important is to remember that the disease is unpredictable and can pose many challenges for you and your loved one.
Coping Tips for Caregivers
As stated earlier, one of the best ways you can help your loved one is to learn as much as you can about Parkinson’s disease. Once you understand the symptoms and how the disease progresses, you will be able to understand the changes in your loved one’s behavior.
It is also important for caregivers to take time to rest. If you are not able to enlist the help of other family members, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care.
Do not try to handle all of the care on your own. Let your loved one help if he or she is able to. This means let them bathe or dress on their own whenever they can.
Although you are there to listen to your loved one, you should also have someone you can turn to when you need to talk things out. If you cannot speak openly with a family member, join a support group.
There is currently not a cure for Parkinson’s, but the disease is manageable. The effectiveness of your loved one’s treatment will be determined by how effective the care is at home. Once you learn coping tips for Parkinson caregivers, you will be able to communicate, plan, manage and care for your loved one during their journey.
Evergreen Private Care is a service that matches Parkinson’s patients and their family members with specially trained professional caregivers. Contact a qualified staff member and schedule a free assessment today!