Caregiving for Individuals with Parkinson’s

Being a care partner is essential to the well-being of every individual with Parkinson’s. 

What Are Some Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

• A softer voice that trails off
• Falling and trouble with balance and coordination
• Freezing: a sudden, but temporary inability to move, when you start to walk
• Moving without assistance or a wheelchair

Fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness may derail daily care plans, and frustrations around communication increase.

In the late stage of Parkinson’s, family caregivers face significant responsibility and challenges.

Their loved one may have significant mobility impairments, so caregivers often provide much hands-on assistance.

Assisting Hands® caregivers are trained to handle patients with Parkinson’s so that the client receives the best care.

Caregivers can help patients with Parkinson’s by:

• Assisting with Doctors’ Appointments
• Assisting with exercises
• Being observant
• Making sure medications are taken
• Meal preparation and eating assistance

Though living alone can complicate daily living for people with Parkinson’s, it can also open new doors for caregivers.

Individuals with Parkinson’s can find strength and fellowship in community and new networks such as support groups and Parkinson’s specific yoga or non-contact boxing classes.

Many people with early Parkinson’s disease can safely continue driving, especially if symptoms are controlled.

Because Parkinson’s disease worsens over time, however, many people with Parkinson’s disease eventually will need to give up driving a car.

As such, caregivers also provide transfer and transportation services.

Individuals with Parkinson’s often exhibit impulsive behaviors, apathy, and/or a decline in cognition, which may add distress to families.

Work with a therapist to find the solution that works best for you.

Walking can be hard for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This is because the disease causes damage to an area of the brain that controls movements.

As the disease worsens, all movements will become slower and smaller, including walking.

Patients with Parkinson’s can enhance their treatment by doing what’s called “gait training” at home.

Gait training involves practicing new ways to stand, walk, and turn. 

People undergoing gait training should try to take large steps when walking straight ahead and focus on proper heel-toe form.

The main therapy for Parkinson’s is levodopa.

Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine to replenish the brain’s dwindling supply.