Parkinson's and Caregiving

If there is someone you know, who is suffering from Parkinson’s and you want to be of some help, there are many things you can do to make their life easier. 
Being a caregiver to a patient with Parkinson’s can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming.  You have to change your lifestyle to accommodate the person who is in need of your help. As the disease progresses, the need of your help will increase as well.

What does being a caregiver involve?
Supporting a patient with Parkinson’s in their challenges of daily life needs encouragement and strength. The patient with Parkinson’s needs your support in order to live as independent as possible. Even though there is no cure for Parkinson’s, the symptoms can be managed effectively in order for the patient with Parkinson’s to lead a productive life.

What are some things I need to do initially?
In the early stages of Parkinson’s your emotional support and encouragement may be all that is needed but as the disease progresses your physical support will be necessary as the patient with Parkinson’s alters their activities to accommodate their condition.

How can I aid the health care team?
The caregiver can aid the health care providers by providing the necessary information and keeping close contact with the each member of the team. As a caregiver, you are the bridge between the team and the patient. Only you can observe how the patient is doing on daily basis. Your continuous communication is an integral resource for the health care team to know how the patient is doing and what needs to be done further to help improve the quality of life of the patient.

Should I be helping with his/her daily medication?
Yes, the primary caregiver is very important in the daily intake of the patient’s medication. You can help by keeping track of how effective the medication was, and if any side effects were caused by the medication. Compliance may be an issue for some patients, sometimes the lack of improvement is due to the patient not taking the medications as instructed. You as the caregiver can be the one to make sure the patient does not forget to take the medications.

What should I watch for?
You should be wary of behavior that may indicate depression such as social withdrawal and anxiety. In such a case, you should be compassionate  and supporting. Try more social activities with the patient with Parkinson’s and ask for help if needed.

Sometimes I feel I can’t do this anymore?
Being a caregiver can be increasingly challenging as the disease progresses. Patient with Parkinson’s may have more difficulty with memory, cognitive functioning, depression, anxiety and hallucinations as the disease progresses.  Take a break for yourself periodically. No matter how dedicated you are, you will need some time to ‘recharge your batteries’. Accept support and distribute some of the tasks to people willing to help. If you’re feeling down find somebody you trust, talk about your feelings and ask for help

How can I make life easier for me?
There are many ways to get help out in your community,1. Adult day care centers2. Community care access Program3. Meals on wheels

4. Short term rehabilitation program

This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.

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