5 Tips for Coping with a Loved One Parkinson’s Disease

If you have a family member that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease you’re probably concerned more about them than you are about yourself, but you need to understand how having a family member or loved with Parkinson’s will affect you too.

 In the early stages of Parkinson’s the symptoms and the effects of the disease probably won’t be so severe that they become difficult to deal with but as the disease progresses you will notice that your loved one has difficulty doing small tasks and might need help in order to do everyday things like preparing meals, walking, dressing, or getting around. It helps to find out all you can about the symptoms and effects of Parkinson’s so that when you’re loved one’s Parkinson’s starts to progress you are prepared for what might happen. Here are five tips from experienced caregivers about how to cope with your loved one’s Parkinson’s, especially when it progresses to the advanced stage.

1. Be observant – Your loved one might be embarrassed about his or her symptoms and might try to hide from that the disease is progressing. If you’re observant than you will notice when your loved one starts to do things differently than they used to, if he or she is having trouble doing everyday tasks, or if the symptoms seem to be getting worse. If you do notice any changes it’s important that you talk to your loved one’s caregiver or doctor about them.

2. Get support – Your loved one will need your support and love to deal with the effects of having Parkinson’s and you will need to be strong for him or her so it’s important that you get the support that you need to stay strong. If you really want to help your loved one it’s important that you find some support for yourself to help you renew your energy and strength so that you can continue to be supportive for your loved one. There are many online and local support groups that you can join to get the support that you need.

3. Take the time to grieve – It’s not easy to watch someone you love suffer, or to watch his or her physical condition deteriorate. You are entitled to take some time to grieve for the suffering of someone that you love and to deal with your emotions. It will make it easier for you to support your loved one if you take the time to acknowledge how Parkinson’s is affecting your life too. If your grief becomes overwhelming or if you start to get depressed you should see a professional counselor.

4. Follow your loved one’s lead – Sometimes a person with Parkinson’s might not want their diagnosis revealed to other friends and family or might not want anyone else to know. Even though it can be difficult to not share that information with others you should respect your loved one’s wishes when it comes to telling other people. Unless the health or safety of your loved one is compromised if your loved one doesn’t want anyone to know about their disease you should not tell anyone.

5. Take breaks – When you have a loved one that has Parkinson’s it’s easy for the disease to fill up your whole life. But in order to help your loved one and take care of yourself you need to still function in the outside world. Make sure that you make time to do things for yourself or with other friends like going to a movie, having lunch, getting your hair done, shopping and other activities that will get your mind off of Parkinson’s, at least for a little while.

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