Supporting the Parkinson's Caregiver
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Approximately one million Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, with nearly 90,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Although Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly over time, a diagnosis can be devastating. A person diagnosed with the disease needs a strong support network no matter the stage in their journey.
Whether you’ve recently become a caregiver to a loved one with Parkinson’s or have been caring for someone with the disease for years, it’s essential that you understand your valuable position. Below are four practical caregiving tips, along with local resources to help support the Parkinson’s caregiver.
Educate Yourself
The first practical tip Parkinson’s caregivers can do is to educate themselves. Learn all that you can about the disease, especially if your loved one has recently been diagnosed. The more you know about the disease and how it progresses, the better prepared you will be to offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support. Learning about Parkinson’s will also help you make informed decisions with your loved one and empower you to become their advocate. A great place to start learning about Parkinson’s is at the National Parkinson’s Foundation. The Midwest Chapter often has educational events that Parkinson’s caregivers can attend. The Wisconsin Parkinson's Association has several educational videos and resources to help educate families.
Connect with a Local Support Group
The second practical tip for Parkinson’s caregivers is to connect with a local support group. Even if your loved one’s diagnosis was recent, joining a support group will allow you to learn from others who may be at later stages. Many support groups offer education and hands-on guidance so that you can be better prepared to assist your loved one. They are also a safe place to vent feelings of frustration or sadness and can offer caregivers the support they need to continue to provide care. The American Parkinson Disease Association provides a list of local Parkinson’s support groups and exercise classes specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s
Learn to Observe
Another practical caregiving tip for Parkinson’s caregivers is to learn to observe. Although your loved one with Parkinson’s may be able to continue to live life as usual, that can change in subtle ways over time. Your loved one may not even recognize the changes happening as a result of their diagnosis, such as impulsive behaviors or a decline in cognition. Parkinson’s caregivers need to be diligent and watch for changes in symptoms, abilities, and mood. Take advantage of those free resources provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation, so you know what to look for.
Take Care of Yourself
The fourth practical caregiving tip for Parkinson’s caregivers is to take care of yourself. The Parkinson’s journey can be long. As a caregiver, you need to remain healthy and strong so that you can continue to provide care and support. Take care of yourself by prioritizing a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep. Encourage your loved one to participate in the Pedaling for Parkinson’s class at the YMCA of the Fox Cities. While they’re in class, you can exercise at the wellness center or join an adult fitness class. Other ways to take care of yourself include making time for friends, utilizing delivery services to save time, scheduling regular doctor appointments to monitor your own health, and exploring caregiver support services offered by Mosaic Family Health.
How Visiting Angels Appleton Can Help
One final caregiving tip for Parkinson’s caregivers is to partner with Visiting Angels Appleton. We provide in-home personalized senior care services that address a variety of needs. Whether you need someone to keep your loved one company so that you can take time for yourself, or you need more hands-on support as your loved one’s Parkinson’s progresses, we’re here for you. Our compassionate and dedicated caregivers are ready to assist with numerous tasks whenever you need them. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-944-8000.