How to take care of someone with Parkinson's disease

Taking care of someone with Parkinson's disease is indeed challenging. Here are some practical suggestions and advice.

Instructions

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  1. Get educated about Parkinson's disease. Knowing the symptoms and what to expect as the disease progresses is very important. Most people are aware of the physical symptoms of Parkinson's but are ignorant of the psychiatric symptoms such as dementia, depression, and hallucinations. In reality, dealing with the psychiatric symptoms is often the most stressful for caregivers

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  2. Prevent falls. One of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's disease is instability and falls. Falls, especially in an elderly person, can lead to fractures and other serious injuries. Some ways you can help include:
  Encourage the patient to use proper assistive device for walking( cane, walker)
  Make sure the living environment is free of clutter and has proper lighting
  Install grab bars, especially in the bathroom. Consider a shower chair
  Install bed rails

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  3. Diet. Parkinson's patients are prone to constipation. Make sure to include plenty of fluid and fiber in the diet. Also pay attention to the patient's ability to swallow. As the disease progresses, he/she may develop swallowing difficulties/choking. Pureed food and thickened liquids may be more appropriate in the advanced stages of the disease.

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  4. Medication. Be aware that Parkinson's medications have a lot of potential interactions with other drugs, including over-the-counter medications. Always consult with a physician/pharmacist before starting a new medication.

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  5. Take care of yourself. Caregivers can easily forget that they have their own lives and interests. The longer you are a caretaker, the more likely it is that this burned-out feeling will occur. To counter it, schedule time off for social activities and time alone. If you take care of someone who needs constant attention, check out local programs that will take care of them on a temporary basis (sometimes called "respite care"). Many organizations also offer caregiver support groups.