Parkinson’s Caregiver Tips to Increase Safety and Quality of Life
Many seniors with Parkinson’s disease receive the majority of their care at home from friends and family, particularly during the early parts of the disease. As the experts in home health care in Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, it’s our job to understand the unique concerns experienced by family members who are care providers for a loved one with Parkinson’s, and to provide the support and educational resources they need. Our respite care services help provide family caregivers with time to rest and recharge and our home care services help ensure safety and a high quality of life during each stage of Parkinson’s.
These Parkinson’s caregiver tips are helpful for both clients and their families:
Nutrition: A balanced and healthy diet helps lessen cell loss in a person with Parkinson’s. Getting lots of antioxidants, like those found in green tea, spinach, blueberries, broccoli, beans, and certain kinds of nuts, can help fight against oxidative stress.
Chewing and Swallowing: Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s frequently have some degree of difficulty with chewing and swallowing. Every person providing care for a senior with Parkinson’s must learn the Heimlich maneuver in order to be prepared in the event the person starts to choke.
Fall Prevention: Individuals with Parkinson’s sometimes have problems with walking and balance; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the home surroundings and make modifications to reduce the possibility of falls. Installing customized toilet seats and grab bars where appropriate, and eliminating obstacles throughout the house, are great starting points.
Anxiety/Depression: Lowering the risk for anxiety and depression is an essential component in the battle against Parkinson’s. Closely monitor the senior for signs and symptoms of depression, and if noted, recommend that she or he see a doctor for an evaluation at the earliest opportunity.
Medications: Parkinson’s treatment options may have an array of unwanted side effects, and may impact the individual in a variety of different ways. Certain types of medications may cause nightmares or hallucinations, for example. The senior’s physician should provide information about any potential medication side effects in order to be prepared.
Your assistance and support as a Hillendale Home Care caregiver can result in an improved quality of life for both seniors and their family members. By helping with a number of the more routine components of caregiving, family members are able to spend more high-quality time together.
If you or someone you know is interested in a rewarding career opportunity where you can make a difference in the lives of seniors and their families each day, contact us at 925-297-2676 to find out more about our CNA and HHA training programs.
