The Importance of Caregivers for Seniors With Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination. Over time, common daily activities like dressing, eating, and walking can become more challenging. For seniors living with Parkinson’s, having a caregiver by their side can make a big difference. Whether a caregiver is there to assist with mobility, provide emotional support, or make sure their medications are taken on time, caregivers play an important role in maintaining a safe environment and quality of life.
There are unique challenges that come with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, here are some of the ways a professional in-home caregiver can make daily life easier for those living with Parkinson’s and provide peace of mind for families:
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, things that were once easy can become increasingly difficult. Caregivers - whether they are family or from a home care agency, can help with personal cares such as:
- Grooming and Dressing – Providing assistance with buttons and zippers, etc..
- Bathing and Personal Hygiene – Making sure seniors feel clean and refreshed while keeping them safe.
- Eating and Meal Prep – Preparing nutritious meals and helping with utensils if hand tremors are a concern.
- Mobility Assistance – Stand-by or hands-on assistance with walking, transferring, and preventing falls.
Medication Reminders and Monitoring Daily Symptoms
Medications are a major part in managing Parkinson’s symptoms, but they need to be taken on a strict schedule set by their physician. A caregiver is present to:
- Remind seniors to take medications on time and as prescribed
- Watch for and notify family of side effects and changes in symptoms.
- Help with organization of medications.
Encourage Daily Movement and Exercise
Remaining active has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and improve balance. Caregivers can:
- Encourage appropriate low-impact exercises like stretching or walking.
- Help with physical therapy exercises recommended by their physician or physical therapist.
- Prevent falls by checking that the environment is safe and clutter-free, while also offering steady support.
Emotional and Cognitive Support
Aside from personal care assistance, caregivers becomes a consistent source of emotional support and companionship. Parkinson’s can lead to depression, anxiety, or changes in cognitive function, so having dependable emotional support is huge. Caregivers provide this by:
- Talking with their clients to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Encouraging and participating with them in hobbies and cognitive activities to keep their minds strong and active.
- Providing reassurance and patience to ease their frustrations and stress.
Home Safety and Preventing Falls
A safe living environment is very important for seniors with Parkinson’s. Caregivers are there to:
- Ensure walkways have a clear path by keeping loose rugs and clutter out of the way.
- Recommend having grab bars installed and assist by using adaptive equipment.
- Make sure there is enough lighting to provide visibility and reduce the risk of falls.
How In-Home Care Can Help
Some home care agencies, such as Visiting Angels, specialize in providing specialized Parkinson's care for seniors. Our caregivers receive special training provided from our Site Champions (trained by the Parkinson's Foundation), to provide specific individualized support, so you can have peace of mind knowing your loved will be comfortable and safe at home. Visiting Angels will:
- Provide personalized care plans
- Offer flexible scheduling options
- Accept long-term care insurance and Veteran's benefits for payment assistance
If your loved one is living with Parkinson’s and could benefit from additional support, Visiting Angels is here to help. We proudly serve communities in the West and Southwest Metro area of the Twin Cities including the cities of St. Louis Park, Edina, Minneapolis, Golden Valley and surrounding cities in Hennepin County. Contact us today or give us a call at 952-935-0789 to learn more about our senior care services and how we can best help you and your family.