You want to do everything you can to assist your loved one who has Parkinson’s disease. But, in practice, what does this mean?
Most of us who aren’t natural caregivers require some time to discover the best techniques to assist a spouse or partner is dealing with a difficult diagnosis.
Ways to Comfort a Loved One Having Parkinson’s
· Be Open and Honest with One Another
Some caregiver-patient relationships may fall into the trap of having one person become the “nurse.” At the same time, the other is degraded to a helpless patient. That is counterproductive and can be damaging if, for example, the caregiver assumes responsibilities that the person with Parkinson’s is completely capable of performing.
As a caregiver, attempt to establish an open line of communication with your loved one to reach an agreement on when the loved one requires assistance.
· Self-Education
Look into educational materials that might assist you in comprehending the condition and how it will progress. Suppose your loved one is receiving care at a Parkinson’s disease centre of excellence, as well as in many other circumstances. In that case, you will have access to a library of literature that you can use. It is critical to obtain reliable information because Parkinson’s disease is complex. What works for one individual may not work for another. All of the national organizations are excellent resources.
· Maintain Doctor’s Appointments
Even if your loved one can get themselves to appointments at first, accompany them to ask questions, take notes, and provide your unique viewpoint on symptoms or other difficulties that your dear one may not bring up, such as sleep troubles or mood disorders. The best approach should be to get your diagnosis from a professional neurologist and interventional pain specialist if there is any pain issue. Keep an ongoing list of questions for yourself to bring with you.
A calendar (paper or digital, whatever works!) is also helpful in keeping track of doctor and treatment appointments. A calendar can also track drugs and keep track of any adverse effects.
· Maintain Your Insurance Coverage
If you were always the person who handled insurance coverage issues, that’s wonderful; if not, you might want to educate yourself with the terms of your health insurance. You’ll need to know whether and to what degree your plan covers prescriptions, therapy sessions, and other unanticipated expenses.
· Keep an eye out
Watch out for changes in symptoms, abilities, and moods. You should also keep careful track of your loved one’s changing abilities, especially following drug or therapy modifications. A person with Parkinson’s disease may be able to perform many of the things they used to do, such as working, doing housework, going out with you or with friends, and engaging in typical activities.
However, this can change in subtle ways that the person isn’t always aware of, such as the fact that they shouldn’t drive anymore or that there’s a chance of falling or getting wounded. It can be not easy to remind your loved ones of things they should not do.
· Be adaptable
The symptoms of your loved one may change over time and even from day to day. Be patient and adaptable if, for example, you have plans to do something that has been disrupted by a terrible day. Before stepping in to assist out of irritation, try to give your loved one the greatest chance possible to accomplish specific activities independently.
Consider the possibility and timing of removing specific tasks from your or your loved one’s plate. Should you, for example, take over bill paying (if this was the patient’s responsibility)? Or should you employ someone to perform your yard work? Communicate with each other to avoid miscommunication and animosity over any adjustments you may propose.
· Make Certain That Medications Are Taken
This is critical: If your loved one forgets to take their medication, they may not be operating optimally.
To avoid making mistakes or having to annoy or badger your loved one, create a tool that you and your loved one agree on, such as a smartphone reminder or a hard-to-miss wall calendar. Taking your medication regularly can make a difference in your lives and lifestyles.
Talking about treatment, it should be mentioned that Dr. Gautam Arora is the best neurologist and interventional pain specialist who has been offering his expertise to help patients around the United States and India for more than ten years. Dr. Gautam encourages families to make time for their loved ones after determining the best activities to enjoy with the least amount of resistance from the patient. His kind behavior and approach towards patients make him a one-of-a-kind neurologist and pain intervention physician in the world.
Next time you see a Parkinson’s patient, remember to treat them well enough. They deserve love and care.
