After a Parkinson’s diagnosis, your aging loved one will likely be experiencing a range of emotions. He or she may be frightened by the diagnosis or become depressed or withdrawn. You can help by providing support and encouragement to help your loved one accept the news and prepare for the changes that will take place. Because it can be difficult for seniors to adjust to life after learning about a chronic illness, here’s some advice and insight into the situation so families can provide their loved ones with the unwavering support needed during this unfamiliar stage of life.
1. Be an Advocate
Being an advocate means being aware. Learning about your loved one’s treatments, communicating with the health care provider, and ensuring your parent’s wishes are respected can bring a sense of comfort to him or her. Just knowing someone is on his or her side can leave your parent feeling empowered and better able to embark on the journey ahead.
2. Maintain Activity
Physical limitations can make daily activities difficult for those with Parkinson’s to complete. Keeping your loved one mentally, physically, and socially active as much as safely possible can help him or her better address these limitations. This can alleviate the feelings of helplessness that often accompany a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with everyday activities, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care Reston to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
3. Encourage Communication
Mom or Dad may talk negatively about the situation, and this is okay. Allowing your loved one to talk candidly about his or her feelings can help. Avoid discouraging your loved one from saying negative things. Listen to what your parent has to say, and let him or her vent. The sensitive nature of the topic can make some family caregivers uncomfortable, and that’s natural. Support groups, online forums, and compassionate caregivers are all great options for allowing seniors to share their feelings.
4. Plan Ahead
A primary concern for many seniors revolves around the need for help. Simple daily activities may become challenging or impossible without assistance. Help your loved one plan for this before it occurs. This can mean discussing who will help and whether or not outside assistance such as a professional caregiver will be needed.
Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted provider of Reston 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. Avoid Taking Over
Coming to terms with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can be very emotional for seniors and their caregivers. However, your family should avoid taking over for your loved one. Allowing seniors to make decisions and do as much for themselves as safely possible can be an integral part of the process that preserves independence.
Caring for a senior loved one 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. Families looking for top-rated Reston elder care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Reston. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team at 703-556-8983 today.
