5 Parkinson’s Care Tips Family Caregivers Should Follow

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Top 5 Parkinson’s Care Tips for Family Caregivers in Huntsville, AL

Caring for a senior loved one with Parkinson’s disease comes with certain challenges. Since this disease has no cure, caregivers can expect to provide ongoing care for their family member. Parkinson’s disease also becomes progressively worse, which makes it important to keep the following tips in mind. 

1. Stay Organized 

Use a calendar or app to keep track of your loved one’s appointments, including doctor appointments and physical therapy appointments. As Parkinson’s disease becomes more advanced, your loved one’s appointments might become more frequent. You should also keep track of the medications your loved one takes. Set reminders for when these medications should be taken each day and when they need to be refilled. Staying organized can make it easier for you to care for your loved one. 

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Huntsville Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

2. Make Long-Term Care Plans 

Parkinson’s disease gradually becomes worse, although this can take many years to happen. Even if your loved one is in the early stages of this disease, it’s important to anticipate changes in medical care and make long-term plans. Becoming familiar with symptoms that can occur in the later stages of this disease can help you and your loved one determine the best arrangements to make. 

3. Watch for Changes in Your Loved One’s Emotional or Mental Wellbeing 

Parkinson’s disease puts people at risk of developing depression or other mood disorders. Your loved one might become more irritable or moody due to changes this disease can cause in the brain. If your loved one shows signs of mood changes or depression, make an appointment with the doctor to ensure your loved one receives proper care for depression or other issues that could affect his or her emotional or mental wellbeing. 

If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Huntsville Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

4. Find a Support Group for Parkinson’s Caregivers 

Having other caregivers to talk to about the challenges you face while caring for your loved one can provide you with emotional support. A support group provides opportunities to meet others who are in a similar situation and share tips and advice on caregiving. Receiving emotional support can ease the stress of taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s disease so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Look for support groups for Parkinson’s caregivers in your local area or online. 

5. Practice Self-Care 

To be able to provide your loved one with the care he or she need as Parkinson’s disease progresses, it’s important to take care of yourself. Make time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy. You should also make sure you have opportunities to spend time with friends on a regular basis.

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you are caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Huntsville families who want to avoid burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. Call us at (256) 716-9940 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a friendly Care Manager.

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