Caring for a loved one

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease not only has a huge impact on the individuals themselves, but their loved ones too. In this final column, I would like to offer some genuine help and advice.

As a caregiver, you will be required to face many difficulties communicating, assisting, and treating your loved one. Although this might be a strenuous and difficult phase in your life, with proper education and network of support, caring for your loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be very pleasant and fruitful.

One might ask, what is required from me? How should I tackle common problems that Parkinson’s patients face? And how can I communicate better with my loved one?

As a caregiver of someone with Parkinson’s disease, you have a lot to do. You will need to help maintain the quality of life for your loved one. In order to achieve that, you will need to educate yourself about symptoms, treatments and the progression of the disease.

Appointments with the doctor, medication schedules and exercise are very important and sticking to the schedule every day is key. You will also need to offer the love and support necessary to meet the challenges your loved one faces due to his or her illness.

All of this is not easy but if you educate yourself, stick to a routine, receive adequate social support it can be done. The following tips can help manage this stressful job:
• Take time for yourself and take time to relax. If needed, ask family members to help by setting up a schedule on a calendar or even hire someone to assist you in providing care.
• Educate yourself and learn as much as you can about your loved one’s disease. This way you will understand the course of the illness, know what to expect and when to ask for professional help.
• Let your loved one participate and don’t do everything for them. Our aim is the maintain independency in daily living. Allow him, or her, the time to complete daily activities on his or her own, such as dressing even if it takes longer to perform.
• Set realistic goals for yourself and your loved one.
• Do not put your life on hold. Continue to live your normal social life. Meet with friends and participate in hobbies when you can. The less impact it has on your life the less resentful you will feel.
• Have someone you can talk to. It is not only your loved one who needs support but you as a caregiver do too. Talk openly and honestly with a friend or family member or join a support group.

It can be very challenging looking after a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. The disease can vary from day to day. Some days your loved one will function normally and other times he or she might be fully dependent.
 
This is a natural part of the disease so don’t think that your loved one is being unnecessarydemanding or pretending to be ill.

Keep in mind that Parkinson’s disease is unpredictable and progressive with new challenges for you and your loved one that surface daily.

Depression is also a part of the disease. It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression so you can help your loved one seek treatment as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you are feeling depressed and having trouble coping, it’s just as important to get care for yourself.

Parkinson’s disease can affect speech and, therefore, makes verbal communication with your loved one difficult. That can get in the way of your ability to care for his or her needs. You should talk to your loved one face-to-face. Look at him or her as he or she is speaking.

In the case of advanced disease, ask questions that your loved one can answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Ask your loved one to repeat what he or she has said, or ask him, or her, to speak slower or spell out the words that you did not understand.

Finally, as difficult as it may seem, caring for a loved one who is suffering with Parkinson’s disease is manageable … with the proper planning and support it can be done.