A Parkinson’s diagnosis can send a ripple of shock throughout the entire family. While seniors might need time to adapt to this revelation, it’s important for close relatives to remain accessible. Offering aging adults the right support and guidance can help them establish solid plans for maintaining a high-quality life and a positive, proactive mindset.
Consider Long-Term Plans
Although talking about long-term plans with a senior family member can be difficult, many aging adults are deeply worried about how they’ll get by once they’re no longer able to care for themselves. After a Parkinson’s diagnosis, you may find this is the best time to start asking your senior loved one about his or her wishes and plans regarding home care. Offering your support in whatever capacity it’s needed can allay some of the fears your loved one is experiencing.
Many seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can continue to live at home, but they’ll likely need assistance from family members or other caregivers to do so safely. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Miami, FL, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Discuss Treatment Options
Though there’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, there are many strategies for managing this disease. Your loved one may want to start Parkinson’s medications right away, or he or she may wish to visit a naturopath and seek natural forms of treatment instead. Establishing a solid plan for treatment early on is critical for limiting the progression of symptoms.
Look for a Support Group
There are a number of things you can say and do to comfort your loved one after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, but few things are as comforting as talking with people who are facing the same challenges. Finding a local support group will give your family member access to camaraderie and companionship with a host of like-minded people who have similar challenges. There are also support groups for family members and Parkinson’s caregivers.
Make a List of Resources
Because Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, the amount of assistance your loved one will need is guaranteed to change over time. Make a list of all the different resources that can help your family member maintain an optimal quality of life even as his or her physical abilities begin to wane. These resources can include home care agencies, senior ride services, meal delivery services, and more.
At some point, your loved one may get a great deal of benefit from having a professional caregiver help with everyday tasks. Families looking for top-rated homecare services providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Focus on the Positive
Many people find the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms is slow enough to allow for learning new ways of getting things done. Find out about special assistive devices and eating, cooking, and household implements that allow seniors to retain their independence during the earlier stages of this disease. Taking a proactive approach to Parkinson’s management will invariably lead to a more positive outlook.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to manage, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. The type of in-home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia care, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team today.
