How to Help Someone Cope With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease attacks the central nervous system and affects motor function; it can also lower self-esteem and diminish quality of life. Caregivers and friends can do a lot to minimize the negative effects.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Detachable Grips
• Thick Rubberized Pens

1. Offer to help rather than taking over. A Parkinson's patient will often take a long time to complete certain basic tasks, but it is important that he feel effective and useful. Just be there to help when he needs you.

2. Suggest tasks that he can handle in place of those he can't. While he may not have the physical strength to take out the garbage anymore, perhaps he can help to sort out cans, bottles and papers for recycling.

3. Help him get some exercise. A gentle walk in the park or a swim in the local pool can help a Parkinson's patient stay healthy and in touch with the world.

4. Be patient. Parkinson's can often affect a patient's perception of the world. He may seem grumpy or even paranoid, but will have no control over this behavior.

5. Stay positive. Parkinson's patients often get severely depressed, especially as their mobility diminishes, and caregivers need to be as positive and optimistic as possible.

6. Help him to be confident and proud. It can be embarrassing for a Parkinson's patient to be out in public, since the symptoms are often noticeable. Loss of balance, tremor, shuffling and facial rigidity may make him feel self-conscious, so remind him frequently that he has nothing to be ashamed of.

7. Communicate. Ask him to let you know when his symptoms change or a particular activity becomes too difficult, and keep him involved in the discussions and decisions of daily life.

8. Stay informed. Recently, there have been many developments in the study and treatment of Parkinson's and related diseases. Ask your loved one's neurologist to keep you informed as new medications and surgeries become available.

Tips & Warnings

• Many communities offer support groups and activities for both patients and caregivers; take advantage of any services that are available.
• Some medical supply companies offer special utensils, grips, pens and other devices to make life easier for Parkinson's and other mobility-impaired patients. A simple detachable grip can allow a patient to feed himself more easily, and a thick, rubberized pen can make it easier for him to write.
• Caregivers need care, too! Be good to yourself, and accept when people offer support or respite.
• It can be dangerous for Parkinson's patients to drive, since their reflexes and perception can be impaired even in the early stages of the disease.
• Parkinson's patients are often bothered by crowds, noise, and bright or flashing lights ' keep this in mind when planning activities and outings.
• If your loved one becomes depressed, seek medical and psychological help; depression is treatable.

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on 11/22/2005 My family just found out my dad probably has parkinson's. We find that outdoor activities relieve stress as do massages and acupuncture. Antibiotics aren't always a great thing, so consult a nutritional therepist. Your eating habits make a difference