Selfless and loving family members often step up to act as caregivers when their senior loved ones are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. However, it’s important to realize that as a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s, you’ll have a lot on your plate. Your duties might range from keeping track of appointments to ensuring the home environment is as safe as possible. If you’re a first-time Parkinson’s caregiver, here are a few tips to enhance your ability to provide high-quality care for your loved one at home.
Educate Yourself about Parkinson’s
Learn as much as you can about Parkinson’s, both from online sources and your loved one’s doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure you have a solid understanding of what to expect, what to look for, and how to react in various situations you’re likely to encounter.
Promote Independence
Seniors don’t have to let Parkinson’s control their lives. If you modify the home, your parent can continue to do many of the activities he or she has always enjoyed, especially during the earlier stages of Parkinson’s. For example, you could purchase taller chairs for the bedroom, living room, and kitchen areas. Taller furniture is easier to get in and out of without relying on others for assistance.
There’s no reason to do every little thing for your loved one with Parkinson’s. Base the assistance you provide on your loved one’s abilities. This will make things less stressful for you, and it will also help your loved one maintain a sense of independence.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare services. Families trust Rainbow Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Find Reliable Support
Have a reliable source you can contact for support and advice if you have any questions, such as your loved one’s doctor or another trusted healthcare professional who’s familiar with how Parkinson’s is currently affecting your loved one. For inexperienced caregivers, getting help from professional home caregivers can ensure their loved ones’ safety and comfort, especially as the disease progresses. You may also want to consider having a friend or family member you can turn to for any emotional support you need.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional elder care. Santa Ana, CA, Rainbow Home Care is a trusted name in home care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Set Short-Term Goals
Instead of focusing on what’s likely to happen as your parent’s condition progresses, set short-term goals for both yourself and your loved one. Short-term goals can include creating a weekly schedule so your loved one will know what to expect. Planning outings to local parks or shopping centers can give your loved one something to look forward to rather than simply thinking about his or her daily care needs.
Most importantly, don’t stop living your life. There’s nothing wrong with scheduling some time off by arranging for others to take over for you while you recharge or even hiring a professional caregiver on a part-time basis. You and your loved one will be better off if you’re well rested and better focused.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Rainbow Home Care, a Santa Ana at-home care agency you can trust. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate team members today.
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