Caring for a senior requires patience, attention, and an understanding of their symptoms. Particularly, a senior with Parkinson's, a caregiver must recognize the importance of medication timing and the ability to provide the necessary physical, emotional and mental support on regular basis. Being well educated on how to care for an elderly with Parkinson's Disease is crucial to helping them live comfortably and safely in their own home.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
According to Mayoclinic.org "Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk.
Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time. Although Parkinson's disease can't be cured, medications might significantly improve your symptoms. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms."
Activities of Daily Living
Often times, Parkinson's Disease can make the basic daily activities quite difficult for an elderly experiencing symptoms. Such as bathing, dressing, eating, sleeping, walking, and exercise all used to be an ease. However, making the necessary adjustments and having the proper care from a caregiver, an elderly experiencing symptoms from Parkinson's Disease can still live a quality life. Certified Caregivers at California Home Care Aides are all trained to assist and take all safety measures seriously to assist with mobility, home safety, bathing and grooming, meal preparation, transportation, travelling, and going out for dinner or leisure activities.
What To Expect Emotionally as a Caregiver
As a caregiver, one may experience the various and unsettling emotions over the care of an elderly with Parkinson's Disease, especially if it is a family member or loved one. As a family member, friend or loved one caring for an elderly with Parkinson's Disease, one may feel shocked or saddened upon finding out the initial diagnosis from the doctor. Then, one may think of all the problems that may arise with caring for an elderly with Parkinson's Disease such as finances, finding the right person to care for their loved one, taking up the responsibility of caring for loved on with Parkinson's Disease, anger, sadness, relief, joy, etc.. As the disease progresses, one must understand the role as a caregiver evolves too. At times, caregiving can be a demanding job and one may ponder on the idea that care can always be improved or adjusted so that both caregiver and senior can benefit equally. However, a caregiver must accept and realize their limits but ensure the senior with Parkinson's Disease is cared for in the best and safest way possible.
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