Many Parkinson’s caregivers ignore important needs of their own in their efforts to ensure their older loved ones are safe and comfortable. While it’s understandable to want to be there for a loved one living with Parkinson’s, caregivers are only human. There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of available resources and taking time for yourself while offering the support your loved one needs.
Educational Resources for Caregivers
The first resource you should consider when caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s is finding reliable information on the disease itself. Your loved one’s doctor is a good starting point. He or she can offer reference materials or direct you to reliable online resources where you can become educated on the topic of Parkinson’s. Learning about the various stages of the disease and what to expect in terms of physical and cognitive symptoms can help you better prepare for the future and any long-term care needs.
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 in-home care. Families trust Align Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Support Groups for Parkinson’s Caregivers
There’s no reason to feel guilty when caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s becomes stressful. Some hospitals, medical centers, churches, and community organizations run support groups specifically for caregivers. At these groups, participants are encouraged to share their feelings and are able to receive comfort, caregiving tips, and advice from other caregivers going through the same experiences. It can help to know that you’re not alone. If support groups aren’t readily available, there are plenty of online discussion forums where caregivers can share stories and get tips to ease the emotional toll that caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can sometimes take.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Portland, ME, Align Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Help from Others for Support & Relief
Providing care for a senior with Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be a solo job. It’s perfectly normal to need some support when caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s. If friends and family members are available, consider sharing responsibilities. This can be accomplished by preparing a care schedule that can be adjusted as necessary to accommodate individual availability. Extra support such as help from professional in-home caregivers can also help family caregivers stay refreshed while relieving the stress that often goes along with providing care for a loved one.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Align Home Care, a leading provider of home care service Portland, ME, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Align Home Care at (207) 835-3490 today.