Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, around 1.1 million people in the US are affected by PD. Researchers estimate the number of cases to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. Therefore, it is crucial to provide proper Parkinson’s care.
However, many families in the US struggle with giving the proper Parkinson’s care. Parkinson’s caregivers can feel overwhelmed when dealing with patients without guidance. Here are seven helpful tips for Parkinson’s caregivers that address how to care for someone with Parkinson’s in the right way.
Ensure a Supportive Home Environment
Making a safe and supportive home environment is the most crucial requirement when caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease. Home is the center of our daily life and memories. Home modifications are essential to provide physical safety.
You can do the following things to establish a safe home environment:
- Install grab bars in bathrooms.
- Ensure a well-lit home space.
- Remove clutter or rugs.
For more such measures, you can consult with professional Parkinson’s home care teams. These teams usually consist of physiotherapists or a movement disorder specialist. They can better examine living spaces and suggest personalised adjustments.
Encourage Physical Activities and Exercises
Daily exercise is essential in Parkinson’s care to preserve mobility. It will also help in reducing common symptoms like tremors or stiffness. Physical activity is crucial to ensure that patients feel good about themselves.
Here are some ways to promote physical activity among patients:
- Doing gentle exercises and stretching.
- Go on morning and evening walks.
- Joining chair yoga or dance classes.
Assure Timely Medication
Parkinson’s disease shows many symptoms over time with varying effects. It is vital to manage medication on time to avoid worsening the disease. Here’s how you can manage medication for your loved ones:
- Keep a dedicated schedule.
- Use a color-coded pill organizer.
- Use medication reminder apps.
If you have any doubts related to Parkinson’s care and disease, then make sure to consult with a healthcare professional specializing in Parkinson’s disease care.
Have Open and Honest Communication
Open and honest communication is vital when dealing with patients with Parkinson’s disease. As symptoms increase, your loved ones may experience mood swings or even depression. During such difficult times, make sure to give emotional support to build trust and help them feel heard.
Here’s how you can effectively communicate with Parkinson’s patients:
- Ask how your loved ones feel.
- Have a calm attitude and a motivating tone.
- Watch for non-verbal cues like facial expressions or body language.
Follow Right Nutrition and Hydration Guidelines
Eating and drinking well are two of the main aspects of Parkinson’s care. Over time, patients experience issues in swallowing food. Some patients even feel a loss of appetite. In such situations, caregivers should promote family mealtime to restore some normalcy.
Here’s how you can ensure nutritional requirements:
- Create nutritious meals particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.
- Food should be soft and easy to chew.
- Ensure proper hydration.
It is important to note that the nutritional needs of patients may change over time. You should seek advice from a dietitian who’s familiar with Parkinson’s disease.
Support Emotional and Mental Health
A Parkinson’s diagnosis affects more than the body. It also affects emotional and mental health. Patients often feel anxiety or depression. They might feel neglected as well. Under these circumstances, it is crucial to support emotional and mental health to manage the struggles.
Here are some ways to support the emotional and mental health of Parkinson’s patients:
- Encourage patients to participate in support groups and counseling sessions.
- Motivate patients to take part in mindfulness practices.
- Make time for patients and share laughter, hobbies, or quiet moments with them.
Stay Informed
Knowledge is empowering. There is much research going on about how to cure or reduce Parkinson’s disease. Each research brings a new hope. Parkinson’s caregivers should always be informed and have support networks.
Here’s what you can do to remain updated:
- Attend annual educational events like MJFF PD Therapeutics Conference and community webinars.
- Participate in community webinars.
- Explore local or national resources providing relevant information on caring for Parkinson’s patients at home.
There is also one extra insight that you should know. Gaucher disease has been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Although these two diseases are different, they have one common connection: the GCase enzyme. This genetic connection means there should be more personalized Parkinson’s care strategies.
Stay informed about such links to Parkinson’s disease. If there’s any family history of Gaucher disease or any link to Parkinson’s disease, then make sure to inform your doctor. Early screening will significantly help with creating more proactive care strategies.
Conclusion
Many people don’t know how to help someone with Parkinson’s disease. Always remember that caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease demands affection and patience. Each day will bring a new set of challenges, and you’ll have to be prepared. Follow the above-mentioned tips to take care of your loved ones.
Always remember that you are not alone in this journey. Numerous resources are available to help you take care of someone with Parkinson’s disease. Make sure to be with your loved ones as they struggle to accept their varying symptoms. Be kind and compassionate towards them and always maintain a positive outlook.
