Life With Parkinson’s Disease: A Short Guide For Near Ones

If your parent or loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it's normal for family caregivers to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even scared. Parkinson's is a complex condition, and families often grapple with the announcement of a diagnosis. However, the right information and support can help your older relative live a meaningful life. This article explains Parkinson's disease, its various symptoms, and how family members can provide the best care for loved ones.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a system disease, meaning it affects the nervous system and how the brain controls movement. It happens when certain brain cells that produce dopamine — a chemical that helps control movement — start to break down. Over time, this leads to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and trouble with balance and coordination.

Here are some key facts about Parkinson’s disease:

• Nearly one million Americans are living with this progressive disorder, and the number of cases is projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
• While it’s more common in people over 60, about 4% of cases are diagnosed before age 50.
• It’s the second-most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease.

What Are Its Symptoms?

Parkinson’s is an all-times disease, which means symptoms can change from day to day or even hour to hour. Some of the various symptoms include:

• Tremors: Shaking that usually starts in the hands or fingers.
• Stiffness: Muscles may feel tight or hard to move.
• Slow movement: Everyday tasks like walking or getting out of a chair may take longer.
• Balance problems: Diagnosed individuals are at Increased risk of falls.
• Non-motor symptoms: They may also experience depression, sleep problems, and memory issues.

Not everyone with Parkinson’s will share these mobility problems. Some people may manifest mild issues that last for years, while others experience symptoms that progress more quickly.

How Can Family Caregivers Help?

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt. If you’ve taken the role of a family caregiver, here are five tips to help you provide the best care for loved ones:

1. Learn About the Disease

Understanding Parkinson’s is the first step to providing effective care. Take some time to research the trajectory of the disease, its symptoms, and how treatments work.

Reliable sources like the Parkinson's Foundation offer free and valuable information to support family carers. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the future, reducing anxiety for you and your loved one. Additionally, consider joining a support group online or offline to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

2. Create a Safe Home Environment

Parkinson's is a progressive disorder. Ultimately, your loved one will experience mobility and balance issues that make day-to-day activities risky. What can you do? Here are some strategies:

• Start by getting rid of anything that increases their risk of tripping. Check for loose rugs, floor clutter, or electrical cords, and ensure they’re kept well.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom, handrails on stairs, and non-slip mats in the shower to minimize falling.
• Rearrange the furniture and put it in the corner, ensuring it doesn't obstruct the pathway.

Minor changes like these can make a big difference in their comfort and safety.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise is the first line of defense against mobility decline. Moving can help your loved one manage the symptoms while improving their range of motion, balance, and even mood.

Walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi are gentle yet fun movement options. Check out communities offering fitness classes designed for people with Parkinson's.

Motivate your loved one to stay active, but be mindful of their limits. Overexertion can lead to fatigue or injury. You can also take advantage of exercise as an opportunity to bond with them by making it a shared activity. Join them for a morning walk or a workout session.

4. Help Manage Medications

Drugs for Parkinson’s are often time-sensitive and must be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective. Missing a dose or taking it at the wrong time can have an adverse health outcome.

Use tools like pill organizers, alarms, or smartphone apps to keep track of your loved one’s medication schedule. If they have trouble swallowing pills, ask your doctor about alternative forms, like liquid or patches.

5. Hire a Professional Caregiver

Over time, your senior parent may need more care than you can provide on your own. You can either transition to a Parkinson’s assisted living community or get Parkinson's home care services to fill the gap in care.

Most assisted homes have caregivers who work around the clock to provide care whenever needed. If you're not ready for this, consider hiring a caregiver for a few hours a day to help with tasks like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. They provide respite care so you can step away from your responsibilities to check in on your own health.

When to Consider Assisted Living or Home Care

As Parkinson’s worsens, your loved one’s care demands increase. Here are some signs it might be time to consider senior care living options:

• Frequent falls or difficulty walking
• Trouble managing daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating
• Memory problems that make it unsafe to live alone

Home care services may suffice for a time. But, you may need to relocate to an assisted or memory care unit once the symptoms become severe.

Taking Care of Yourself

Family caregivers often put their own needs on the back burner to prioritize their loved ones. However, this approach can spiral into emotional and physical problems. Here’s how you can take care of yourself while supporting your loved one:

• Ask for help: Reach out to family, friends, or local support groups for backup help. Sharing the care responsibilities with those close to you can reduce your load and give you ample time to consider self-care.
• Take breaks: Include some time off on your caregiving schedule. Hire respite services so you can do a mental health reset without feeling guilty.
• Stay healthy: A healthy lifestyle fuels you as a caregiver, so don’t overlook it. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep. When you take care of your health, you’ll have more energy and patience to handle the challenges of caregiving.
• Manage stress: Caregiving is stressful, so find healthy ways to cope, like meditation, journaling, or talking to a therapist. Taking time to address your emotions can calm your mind and direct your focus on the right things.
• Stay Connected: To avoid burnout, don’t sacrifice your social life for the sake of your care obligations. Stay connected with friends and other family members. Create a life outside of your home.

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to provide the love and support your loved one needs.

Don’t Hesitate to Get Help

One significant takeaway from being a caregiver to a loved one with Parkinson's disease is to ask for help. You don't have to do everything on your own. There are people who are willing to support you if you reach out.

Like your relatives and close friends, our team of certified dementia care advisors will be more than happy to help you navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Book a free consultation to learn more about how we can support your family.