7 Essential Steps for Seniors after a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

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Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the world. There’s currently no known cure for Parkinson’s, which often makes it difficult for family members to provide care for their aging loved ones. Here are a few steps seniors and their caregivers can take to prepare for life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

 

1. Gather Important Documents

Seniors often live relatively normal lives for many years after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, but there may come a time when family members need to start managing household affairs. Seniors should begin collecting all legal and financial documents, including their wills, pink slips, deeds, and birth certificates. Keeping all of this paperwork in a safe location where loved ones have access to could prevent legal problems if an accident occurs.

 

2. Open Up to Loved Ones

Many people try to hide their symptoms, but this may complicate the situation. While your loved one doesn’t need to open up to everyone, telling close friends and family members about the diagnosis may make his or her life easier. Many people with progressive disorders find it therapeutic to spend a few moments explaining the condition to their loved ones. 

 

3. Find the Right Medical Team

Some family doctors don’t have the tools or expertise to provide proper care for seniors with Parkinson’s, which is why your loved one should immediately find a team of medical professionals who specialize in neurodegenerative disorders. These teams can come up with comprehensive treatment plans that minimize the symptoms of Parkinson’s and enhance your loved one’s quality of life.

Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care Livingston for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

 

4. Establish a Support System

When it comes to serious medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, a little help can make a big difference. In the earliest stages of Parkinson’s, most seniors can manage their daily responsibilities on their own. However, as time goes on, they generally need help with tasks such as driving to the market and cooking meals. 

Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted provider of Livingston senior care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

 

5. Learn Parkinson’s Jargon

The medical terminology many doctors use can be confusing, and it’s important for seniors to educate themselves as soon as possible. There are many excellent resources for those who want to learn about Parkinson’s, and most major cities have support groups. If your loved one’s city doesn’t have a Parkinson’s support group, try an online community or discussion forum.

 

6. Chart the Symptoms & Medication Side Effects

Seniors need to chart their Parkinson’s symptoms and track the side effects of any medications they’re taking. There’s no single type of medication that works for everyone, and your loved one might need to try quite a few different prescriptions before finding one that works. Seniors and their caregivers should track sleep schedules, overall mood, energy levels, and the severity of tremors.

 

7. Seek Out Mental Health Services

A chronic health condition can have a major impact on psychological health, which is why a senior with Parkinson’s should consider visiting a mental health specialist. These professionals can help with a wide variety of issues, such as anxiety, anger, and depression. They can also teach seniors different ways to handle their emotions, such as meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.

When seniors develop Parkinson’s disease, their families aren’t always able to provide the care they need and deserve. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Livingston, live-in care is available around the clock if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.