Is your elderly loved one suffering from Parkinson’s disease? If so, as a family caregiver, you will need to learn all you can about the disease. As you may already know, this disease affects the nervous system, and eventually, it can cause immobility. This is why learning all you can about the disease and how to help your loved one is so important. Here are several tips you can use with your elderly loved one who is struggling with Parkinson’s disease.
Help with Daily Tasks
You should create time in your schedule to help your elderly loved one with daily tasks. Talk to your loved one about what tasks they feel you will need to do each day. Just remember you shouldn’t be trying to take over every task. It is essential that your loved one tries to be as independent as possible. This will help them live a fuller, happier lifestyle. If you can’t help with these tasks, caregivers might be able to help with some of them.
Assistance from Experts
One of the main things you can do for your loved one is to get assistance from experts. In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, speech and physical therapists, along with a neurologist who specializes in the disease, can be invaluable. They will be able to help your loved one through these trying times.
Being Organized
Staying organized might not seem like a big deal to most people. However, it is very important. It can help relieve some of the stress and your loved one you might be feeling at this time. Some ways you and your elderly loved one can stay organized include the following:
- Write appointments down in a calendar
- Make a list of the medications your loved one is taking (remember to update the list if their medications change)
- Put together your loved one’ s insurance information
- Write down doctor’s phone numbers and emergency contact phone numbers
Place all these items in a folder and keep them in a convenient area of your loved one’s and your home. Staying organized can help in many ways.
Reaching Out for Support
You might want to reach out for support. There are many support groups in neighborhoods all over the country that can offer hope, advice, guidance, and a shoulder if you just need to cry. The people in these groups are generally going through what you are. They understand how hard it can be to have a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. Your elderly loved one might want to join a support group, as well.
Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease affects many people all over the world. It can be stressful caring for someone with the disease. As a caregiver, you should learn all you can about this disease. This way you can help your elderly loved one throughout the progression of this disease.
Sources
https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/attachments/Caring_and_Coping.pdf
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Anna Maria, FL, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers of Bradenton. Call today: (941) 499-5946.