Parkinson’s is an emotionally and physically challenging condition for seniors and their loved ones. If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s, it’s likely that he or she experiences diminished self-esteem in addition to physical symptoms. Promote your loved one’s emotional wellbeing and dignity with these three tips.
1. Be Respectful
While being respectful to your loved one may seem obvious, sometimes it may be difficult to tell when he or she feels disrespected. As studies show seniors with Parkinson’s frequently feel as though they’re treated like children, one way to avoid hurting your loved one’s feelings is to make it a point to remember he or she is an adult.
If your loved one has impaired speech, you may feel the temptation to use simple sentences and language with him or her, but make sure to never speak as though you’re talking to a child. Seniors with Parkinson’s disease maintain their mental faculties, so it can be hurtful to be spoken to like an infant.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care services. Seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
2. Promote Participation
As the symptoms of Parkinson’s advance, your loved one may need assistance with eating, drinking, and performing other daily tasks. However, in most cases, there are ways you can encourage your loved one to participate in his or her own care. Your loved one may be able to pick out dinner, select clothes, and even help as you dress him or her.
These types of tasks are small but can empower your loved one, making him or her feel more in control of his or her life. As feelings of control are associated with a positive life outlook and reduced feelings of depression, encouraging your loved one to do what he or she can may make a big difference.
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 senior home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers in Las Vegas are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
3. Talk about Other Things
While you cannot avoid discussing Parkinson’s with your loved one, you can maintain your loved one’s morale and dignity by making sure you also discuss other things. Whenever possible, start conversations with your loved one about his or her interests, current events, or other family members.
Sharing details of your life with your loved one can also make him or her feel included and important. While it might seem silly, talking about little things can help your loved one keep his or her mind off the symptoms and help you develop and maintain a strong personal bond.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. The type of at-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, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Call today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care Las Vegas plan for your loved one.
