Dealing With A Senior Loved One’s Parkinson’s Disease Is More Involved Than Managing Symptoms

Helping a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves more than addressing PD symptoms. Home Care Arlington has some tips for you;

Be Sure It’s Parkinson’s

Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that there is no precise way to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, so a misdiagnosis of PD is possible. Ask for a second opinion if a loved one is diagnosed with PD.

Get The Right Specialist

Currently, clinicians rely on physical symptoms and family history to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. It would be best to consult a doctor specializing in dementia disorders, such as gerontologists or neurologists. The Parkinson’s Foundation 1-800-473-4636 can help you find a specialist.

Gather The Family

Collect all available information on Parkinson’s. Call the family together and share what you have learned about PD. Explain to your kid how to manage the physical symptoms of PD. Discuss how to communicate with someone with Parkinson’s, manage PD safety risks, and safe eating with Parkinson’s disease.

Figure Out The Legalities

Hire an attorney trained in elder law to draft the following documents.

• Living Will
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
• Healthcare proxy

If the mind of your loved one with PD is still clear, include them in the drafting of the above papers.

Driving

If meds well manage the symptoms, it is possible to drive safely in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Monitor the progression of your loved one’s PD to determine when your family member needs to stop driving.

Guard Against Fraud

People with dementia disorders like Parkinson’s are easy prey for scammers. Pay attention to your loved one’s financial statements and monitor their phone conversations and online activities.

Medical Alert Bracelets

Encourage your loved one to wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant bearing your phone number. If your loved one needs help and can’t

speak for themself, the medical ID will talk for them.

Facilitate Swallowing

In the later stages of Parkinson’s, your loved one may experience trouble swallowing. Milkshakes and other thick beverages are easier to swallow. Serve foods that are soft and moist and encourage double or triple swallowing each mouthful.

Prevent Choking

Have your loved one take small bites and chew them thoroughly. Don’t serve crackers or other crumbly foods to someone with PD because they could choke on the crumbs. Ask your loved one’s physician about vocal exercises to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing.

Address Drooling

If a family member with Parkinson’s is prone to drooling, limit their sugar intake. Sugary foods promote drooling. Regular sips of water and chewing gum control drooling by causing more frequent swallowing. There are exercises that build up the lips and minimize drooling.

Look After Yourself

Arlington Home Care advises that if you are you are the primary caregiver, focus on your own needs. Make time for rest and recreation. Join a caregiver support group. Practicing self-care makes for a better caregiver.