A few weeks ago, a Home Helpers caregiver was providing respite care for a family caregiver to a senior gentleman with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The family caregiver is the man’s oldest daughter, and she has two children: a young man who is a senior in high school preparing to graduate and go to college, and a six-year-old girl in the first grade.
The family caregiver talked for months about trying to take a spring break vacation, but she wasn’t sure if it would be possible. When the time finally arrived, one of our caregivers trained to provide specialized Parkinson’s care and the woman’s two siblings were able to provide her and her children the time they needed to take their spring break trip.
The grateful woman told the caregiver, “Being a caregiver to my father is mentally exhausting. There are feelings of utter frustration and complete heartbreak that the person you once knew is no longer.”
The woman’s frustration stems from trying to help her Dad understand the simplest things, like the easiest way to get dressed or how to safely get in and out of a vehicle. “It’s truly like teaching a child while keeping a balance of respect so as not to make him feel useless. It’s not easy for him to understand that he is no longer capable of doing the things he used to do and grasp that myself.”
This is a common theme among family, private, and professional caregivers of aging adults with PD.
PD is a type of neurodegenerative movement disorder that impacts one’s ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic, progressive disease, meaning the symptoms worsen over time.
PD is characterized by its most common of motor symptoms:
- Tremors (a form of rhythmic shaking)
- Stiffness or rigidity of the muscles
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
In addition, PD also manifests in non-motor symptoms including:
- Sleep problems
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
For family caregivers to loved ones with PD, contending with the physical and mental symptoms can be very challenging and increase those feelings of frustration and heartbreak as mentioned earlier.
The compassionate caregivers I employ at Home Helpers are trained to provide Parkinson’s care to assist aging adults with PD by performing activities of daily living that have become too difficult for them to manage on their own, as well as providing help and relief for family members and caregivers. These services include but are not limited to:
- Meal Planning/Nutrition – Patients with PD require a diet that will strengthen bones and muscles. Our caregivers understand how to plan a menu and prepare healthy, beneficial meals and snacks.
- Security and Supervision- Older adults tend to become more unsteady on their feet as they age. When PD is a concern, this presents additional fall risks. Our caregivers understand how to help keep patients with PD safer by providing necessary physical support and minimizing fall risks by putting safety checks in place.
- Exercise and Mobility – Exercise and movement are important for muscle memory and movement. Doctors may recommend physical therapy or specific exercises for PD patients to stay as safe and mobile as possible. Our caregivers can help PD patients with home exercise routines and provide transportation assistance to the gym or other physical activities.
- Respite for Family Members/Caregivers – One of our most important services is respite care for weary family members. Like the woman said earlier, PD can be challenging, frustrating, exhausting, and heartbreaking, especially as the condition progresses. Our compassionate caregivers can provide respite and expertise to stressed-out family members while keeping their loved ones safe and comfortable.
At Home Helpers, my team and I find it very rewarding to help seniors by providing in-home care services and support 24/7/365. It is especially gratifying to lend a steady hand to senior clients with PD, because they require more specialized care services. Furthermore, they are always happy to step up and provide respite for family caregivers who desperately need a break.
If you or someone you love has PD, my team can provide specialized PD assistance and support, as well as respite care, to help make life easier. I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and create a personalized care plan unique to you and your needs.
Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors, Veterans, and the differently abled in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238
Source:
Michael J. Fox Foundation
