April 20, 2023
Family caregivers can offer invaluable help with managing Parkinson’s disease.
Aging adults with Parkinson’s often receive help with managing Parkinson’s disease from family and friends, particularly in the early stages of the disease. As a professional home care provider, we recognize firsthand the specific challenges experienced by family members who provide care for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, and we want you to know you’re not alone! We’re here to provide advice and to partner with you to make sure your loved one is receiving the very best possible care at all times.
To start, keep these tips for managing Parkinson’s disease in mind:
Nutrition: Maintaining a healthy diet helps people with Parkinson’s reduce cell loss. The consumption of antioxidants, like those found in broccoli, blueberries, spinach, green tea, beans, and certain types of nuts, can also help combat oxidative stress.
Preventing Falls: It’s common for Parkinson’s patients to struggle with balance and walking, so changing their environment to avoid falls is paramount. Installing items like customized toilet seats and grab bars where appropriate, and eliminating obstructions throughout the home such as doorsills and throw rugs, is a good starting point.
Chewing/Swallowing: Swallowing and chewing can grow to be a challenge for people with Parkinson’s. Everyone caring for a person with Parkinson’s needs to learn the Heimlich Maneuver in case the person starts to choke.
Medications: There are many side effects that can arise from Parkinson’s medications. Some drugs could cause hallucinations or nightmares, for example. Be sure your care recipient’s physician tells you about all of the potential side effects of medications so you can be prepared.
Depression and Anxiety: Preventing anxiety and depression is a large part of the Parkinson’s struggle. Observe the person closely for symptoms of depression, and have them diagnosed and treated immediately.
Can Home Care Help With Managing Parkinson’s Disease?
We would love for you to explore our home care services to find out how respite care can lead to a better quality of life for both you and your loved one. With help from our professional home care experts, you can spend more quality time with the person you love. Contact us online, or call us at 314-863-9912 to request your complimentary in-home assessment today!