It’s not easy to be a caregiver to a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. You are constantly keeping track of doctors’ appointments, medications and new ways to slow the progression of the disease, as well as providing attention and support. Understandably, it may also feel like you are putting other elements of your life on hold to be a full-time caregiver.
With that in mind, the
team at The Shores, an assisted
living community in Cape May County, NJ, wants to make your caregiving
journey easier with tips on how you and your loved one can cope.
1 – Keep
learning. Use informative
resources to keep learning about Parkinson’s disease, so that you can better
understand the condition, its symptoms and how it progresses. This will help
prepare you for changes in your loved one’s care needs and behaviors, so you
can manage them more effectively. In addition to talking to your loved one’s
doctors and specialists, read about the condition through reputable websites
like the Mayo
Clinic, the Parkinson’s
Foundation, and Parkinson’s
News Today. These resources will also have the latest news and updates on
Parkinson’s disease management.
2 – Accept that
you’re not perfect. A
diagnosis like this one will turn anyone’s world upside down and can push you
into a position that you never prepared for. Everything about your life
changes, and with that comes stress and responsibility to deal with. While
you’re going to have to adapt significantly, be kind to yourself and forgive
yourself for any inevitable missteps. Lean on your resources, adapt your daily
routines accordingly, and don’t be too hard on yourself – you are only human.
3 – Don’t go at it
alone. Don’t try to take
on every caregiving role, situation and need yourself. It’s hard enough to
navigate your own life, and adding the responsibility of being a sole caregiver
can quickly become overwhelming, especially in later stages. Bring people you
trust into your fold, whether it’s neighbors, friends, family or support
groups. It takes a village to cope with such a life-changing diagnosis. The
needs that arise as a result of Parkinson’s
disease, along with taking on too much work is a surefire way to burnout.
Your needs matter too. Ironically, you need to prioritize your self-care first,
in order to be a well-balanced caregiver to someone else.
4 – Get
organized. Being
organized helps reduce frustration and stress as a caregiver, and helps ensure
your loved one gets the right care. Develop a system for storing and
referencing your loved one’s medical notes, insurance information, health
records, appointments, and contact details for doctors and specialists. Track
all their medications, as well as how they are being administered. Get to know
their medical insurance policy inside out. This folder should go with you to
all appointments, so that you can make informed decisions without having to go
back and forth searching for the most recent information.
5 – Know yourself
and your limits. One of
the most important factors in providing quality care to a loved one is keeping
an eye on your own well being. Knowing when you are reaching your own limits as
a caregiver is critical to avoiding burnout, and will give your loved one the
most high quality care. Too many caregivers neglect themselves while caring for
a loved one, which can cause your mental and physical health, as well as your
relationships with others to suffer.
Learn to recognize symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and illness within
yourself, and take the necessary time off to help yourself get back to a
healthy space. This can mean letting other family members help out more,
calling in a local respite
caregiver, or committing to 24-hour care in an assisted living community.
6 – Make space for
joy, love and happiness in your relationship. A Parkinson’s diagnosis is devastating to both
you and your loved one, and as their care needs progress, the nature of this
condition can let negative emotions flood in. However, it’s important to make
space for as much joy and happiness as you can in your relationship. Enjoy
activities together as much as you can, whether it’s going for a walk outdoors
or helping your loved one get dressed. Relive happy memories, watch your
favorite movies together, keep them involved in their favorite hobbies as much
as possible, and just make those quality moments together count. The best
advice we can give is to treasure their drive to keep living life to the
fullest, when it’s there.
Let United Methodist Communities help make every
moment count
The Shores is an
assisted living community in Ocean City, NJ, that’s designed to provide
professional, compassionate care to seniors that promote their independence and
quality of life. With 24-hour specialized support available to residents with
Parkinson’s disease, your loved one will have the care and space they need to
enjoy quality time with family and friends.
If you are seeking
assistance as a caregiver of a loved one with Parkinson’s, don’t hesitate to
get in touch with our team, or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/
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