After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, seniors usually have a more difficult time carrying out day-to-day activities. As a result, it’s often up to family caregivers to help their aging loved ones remain safe and comfortable while living at home. Here are some ways you may help your loved one handle Parkinson’s and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise, especially dancing and yoga, may increase balance, coordination, and flexibility in seniors with Parkinson’s disease. Encouraging your loved one to join a dance or exercise class may also help him or her stay socially engaged and alleviate depression, which is common after receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Dance for PD and Let Your Yoga Dance are two programs that incorporate dance, yoga, and breathing techniques as a way to keep seniors with Parkinson’s moving and socializing.
Home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers may help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Promote Independence
Some of the most challenging aspects of living with Parkinson’s are the physical limitations created by the disease. Your loved one may feel angry or resentful at having to rely on others to help him or her accomplish the basic activities of daily living. You may help your loved one by adapting his or her routine and environment and using assistive aids to allow for as much independence as possible. For example, purchasing clothes that zip, fasten with Velcro, or pull over the head may make it easier for your loved one to get dressed independently.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to handle over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their senior loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of at-home care Columbus seniors may depend on.
Encourage a Healthy Diet & Hydration
Parkinson’s disease may slow the movement of the colon, which may lead to constipation. Seniors with Parkinson’s are also more susceptible to thinning bones. As a result, it’s important for your loved one to drink plenty of fluids and eat a diet high in fiber and bone-building nutrients like calcium and vitamins D and K.
Watch for Signs of Depression
According to the National Parkinson Foundation, depression and anxiety are more common among seniors with Parkinson’s than those with other chronic health conditions. If you notice your loved one is withdrawing from other people, reducing physical activity, or not enjoying normal activities, encourage him or her to see a doctor as soon as possible. Medications, counseling, and support groups may all be helpful in overcoming depression.
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 Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of 24 hour homecare Columbus, OH, families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Call 614-678-5887 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
