If your aging loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you undoubtedly have many questions. From general information about the disease to how it will affect your parent’s physical and mental capabilities, it can be challenging to know which questions to ask or where to even start. Here are a few questions to ask your loved one’s doctor that will help you get a better understanding of the disease, treatment options, and how to best provide high-quality care.
How Did You Come to the Conclusion that My Parent Has Parkinson’s?
Your physician should be able to walk you through the clinical diagnosis process and how he or she came to the conclusion that your loved one has Parkinson’s. Understanding the symptoms your parent will be experiencing is crucial to providing the right level of care throughout the course of the disease. It can also prepare you for the emotional and physical toll that caring for your parent is going to take on everyone involved.
How Long Can My Parent Expect to Enjoy an Independent Lifestyle?
This is a common question among families, and the answer can vary from person to person. With the right medication and treatment, some seniors with Parkinson’s can expect to enjoy living independently for approximately 10 to 15 years. However, having an understanding of the general timeline and progression of the disease will allow you to plan for your parent’s future care needs, such as making his or her home safe and hiring in-home care.
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 at-home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care 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.
How Is the Disease Going to Impact Day-to-Day Living?
Each stage of Parkinson’s is associated with various side effects and symptoms, from limited mobility and tremors to cognitive changes. You should become as educated as possible about what challenges your loved one will face in the future.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Pearland families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
What Can We Do as a Family to Help?
Providing the appropriate level of care for a loved one with Parkinson’s can often slow the progression of the disease. A physician can offer insight into things that can prove beneficial for a senior with Parkinson’s, such as staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and performing mental exercises. The doctor can also provide recommendations for other professionals to speak with, such as neurologists and physical therapists.
Parkinson’s disease can be particularly challenging in its final stages, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Pearland, TX, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us today.
