When an individual is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it’s easy to feel helpless and alone especially if dealing with it on your own. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder, and the pace of disease advancement may vary extensively from one person to another. It can be hard to recognize the diagnosis, particularly for the person who has been diagnosed and the spouse or loved one who will probably become the main caregiver. If you are taking on the challenge of acting as the primary caregiver to someone with Parkinson’s Disease, feel free to review these crucial Quality Family Care suggestions.
As explained by the National Parkinson Foundation, individuals with Parkinson’s may encounter the following transformations:
- Cognition shifts
- Mood adjustments
- Irregular response to medications; tiredness
- Changing safety requirements based on cognition and mobility problems
- Physical symptoms that react to occupational treatment
- Nevertheless, medications may decrease disease indicators in early stage Parkinson’s and researchers are working on the advancement of new treatments to help Parkinson’s sufferers.
Transforming into a Caregiver
In connections where a spouse ends up being a caregiver, conventional roles will often need to transform. The caregiver will need to take on obligations that were formerly handled by the other individual, and may consist of managing the spending budgets, looking after the household, driving, and so on.
As a caregiver, you should take appropriate care of yourself. So, along with the medical and therapy consultations you arrange for your loved one, you must set up individual time each day to exercise, hang out with friends, enjoy music, or just unwind. Looking after a loved one may be worthwhile, but it can also be extremely demanding especially on your physical health.
Developing a Group
Assemble a team of good friends, family, and volunteers who can help look after your loved one. Inform your team members how they can assist and what they should do to offer support with your loved one and give you a breather. Think about contracting knowledgeable in-home assistance such as nursing aides to help with meal prep work, medication monitoring, and checking vital indicators. Nursing aides can also assist with clean-up, laundry washing, and travel as well as bathing, grooming, and using the bathroom, if required.
Recognizing Medical Needs and Coverage
Speak with your doctor and a movement disorder expert about the existing, medium, and long-term medical and non-medical demands of your loved one. Ask them about medical and non-medical treatments in addition to clinical investigations that may be applicable. Spend time recognizing the rights of your loved one’s disability insurance in addition to the specifics of his or her medical insurance coverage and what medications and treatments are featured. If you need assistance, speak with a case worker or social worker. All of this requires time, but it is time well invested.
Handling Schedules
Commonly, Parkinson’s patients can have an extreme amount of fatigue throughout the day. Since this is the time you would normally arrange activities, you may need to separate activities in small portions to permit breaks or naps within the day. You may need to keep routines flexible and have a back-up strategy. Avoid functions that require solid focus and coordination when the person is worn down.
Taking care of an individual with Parkinson’s Disease could be a very emotionally charged situation. Nevertheless, with determination, awareness, and a supportive team, you can help your loved one live an active lifestyle and foster your connection.
Do you have concerns about taking care of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease? Quality Family Care can help. Contact us at 561-242-9450, toll-free: 877-513-7156. To learn more on looking after a loved one or family member with Parkinson’s Disease, check out all the information available through the National Parkinson Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org/.
