You’ve just learned that your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. So, what comes next? This is often a scary time for your senior and family as you face many unknowns and a disease with no cure. Still, there is always hope, and you can take several actionable steps to calm your fears and provide the best care possible for your loved one.

Learn, Learn, Learn

Truly, you can never learn enough! Begin this new chapter with plenty of education. Carve out all the time you need to learn about Parkinson’s Disease and how it will begin to affect your senior as time goes on. Take your new knowledge and share it with your senior’s friends and family members.

Take Time and Practice Patience

Keep in mind you are not the only one who will be dealing with these changes. This can be an especially frustrating time for your senior as they battle their changing body and mind. It may take them longer to perform daily tasks, like eating a meal. So, practice patience and plan for any extra time they will need from now on.

Support Your Senior Loved One

Make sure your senior loved one knows that you are by their side in this new chapter. Parkinson’s Disease will affect their body’s movements, and one of the best ways you can help your senior is by staying active with them. This means practicing exercises that aim to improve their muscle strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Know That You Have Resources

As your senior’s caregiver, you will be experiencing many new emotions. You need to know that you don’t have to do this all by yourself. Always know when to ask for help. Caregiver burnout is a true concern and happens often. You can avoid this by taking time away whenever you need to, so you can feel refreshed and continue providing great care to your loved one.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s Disease presents new challenges and obstacles for the entire family. Home Care Assistance of Greater Burlington wants you to know you are not alone. Please reach out to our friendly Care Managers here and schedule your consultation.