4 Tips: Caring for a Loved one with Parkinson’s Disease

Over one million adults live with Parkinson’s disease in the United States, according to research by the Parkinson’s Foundation. With senior populations increasing throughout North America, that number is estimated to increase to 1.5 million by the year 2030. Qualicare’s in-home healthcare and senior care franchise partners offer assistance to individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease, in addition to taking care of the clients’ personal needs.  

As much help as Qualicare’s team can provide, it’s important for families to be aware of how they can also help their loved ones suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be a painful and challenging experience, and we’re here to help create the best environment for everyone involved. 

Here’s four tips for caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease: 

1) Get educated: What is Parkinson’s disease? 

Parkinson’s disease is a “nervous system disorder that affects movement,” according to the Mayo Clinic. It is caused by a degradation of nerve cells in the brain. When nerve cells gradually break down and die, there are fewer neurons that produce the chemical dopamine. The decreased dopamine causes abnormal brain activity, which is why individuals with the disease suffer from symptoms of impared movement.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease, and symptoms start gradually. Oftentimes tremors in the hand, or stiffness and slowing of movement (bradykinesia) are the first signs of the disease. Movement-related issues like an individual’s face showing little or no expression, or speech becoming soft or slurred, are signs of early stage Parkinson’s disease as well. 

Usually, Parkinson’s disease begins in mid or late life, and people commonly develop the disease around age 60 or older. Risks of developing Parkinson’s disease increase slightly if a close relative has the disease, and men are more likely to develop the disease than women. The Mayo Clinic noted that studies show that exposure to herbicides and pesticides may also increase an individual’s risk of Parkinson’s disease. 

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are medications that can significantly improve an individual’s symptoms. Surgery can sometimes be an option to improve regions of the brain, and improve symptoms. 

2) Understand symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease

Caregivers and family can help their loved one suffering from Parkinson’s disease by understanding the ways their motor skills will degenerate over time. Most caregivers will face challenges as they witness seniors’ motor skills decrease. One day, their loved one may be able to put on their shoes, and not the next. It’s important to be patient, and to let individuals with Parkinson’s disease remain independent as long as they can. If they can do something for themselves on a particular day, let them. 

Muscle stiffness can occur in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This can cause pain, and limit a person’s range of motion. Posture can also be affected, and some people become stooped with the disease. Balance problems are also a symptom, which can lead to falling. Unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging arms as you walk, can also be affected as a loss of automatic movements. Speech impediments, and the ability to write can be a challenge to caretakers, as communication skills decline. 

3) Learn to safely assist individuals with Parkinson’s diseaseDue to the range of motor skill decline, it’s important for caretakers to create a plan for assisting their loved ones safely. The Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom created a helpful guide, How to safely provide assistance. People who suffer from Parkinson’s disease may need help getting out of a chair, or into a car, getting out of bed, or help walking.

Assisting other people while bending and twisting can cause strains to the caretaker’s body. Strain can happen in particular if the movement is done quickly or if the person with Parkinson’s disease needs regular help or is slower or stiffer. Some helpful suggestions by the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom offers caretakers to consider are:

• Gauge how much a person needs assistance. Certain times of the day may require more assistance than others.
• Allow individuals with Parkinson’s disease to do as much as they can as long as they can. Don’t get into the habit of helping every time.
• Before helping a loved one, give them instructions first, if possible.
• Consider if you can safely provide physical support. Are there assistive devices you could use if not? Do you need extra help to lift or support a loved one?
• Individuals with Parkinson’s disease often have a number of medications to treat symptoms. In order to best help them stay on top of medication management, create a medication plan and utilize a pill organizer.

4) Prioritize Mental Health 

Individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease sometimes report feeling depressed, especially in the early stages. Treating depression right away can help make it easier to handle other challenges as they arise. Emotions like fear, anxiety, and loss of motivation sometimes occur as well. Changes in sleep due to mobility challenges can contribute to these problems. 

It’s very important to encourage individuals with Parkinson’s disease to get out of the house, stay social, and maintain as vibrant lives as possible. Joining support groups, and talking to other people who experience the same symptoms, can help normalize the experience, and help to maintain better mental health. 

Parkinson’s disease causes major changes not only to the person suffering, but to the caregiver and entire family. Suddenly, a caregiver can be on call 24/7, putting their own life on hold. Caregivers deserve to continue living their own lives as they care for loved ones, and to be aware of their own mental health. Asking for help from other family and friends, and if budget allows, hiring a caretaker, can lessen stress for loved ones. 
If you know of someone in need of extra in-home care for Parkinson’s disease, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Qualicare and ask for help!