April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and April 11 is World Parkinson’s Day. It’s believed that worldwide, more than 8.5 million people have Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It is caused by the loss of cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine, which is responsible for sending signals between brain cells that control movement.
As a caregiver for your spouse with Parkinson’s, there are several things you can do to help them manage their condition and maintain their quality of life. Here are the top five ways you can help them:
- One of the most important things you can do is to educate yourself about the disease and stay up to date on the latest treatment options and resources.
- It’s also crucial to be patient and understanding. Parkinson’s can be a challenging and frustrating condition, and your spouse will have good days and bad days.
- Another way you can help your spouse is by helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Encourage a healthy, balanced diet; exercise regularly; and get enough sleep. Exercise can help them improve mobility, balance, and coordination.
- It’s also imperative to create a safe and accessible home environment. This may involve making simple modifications such as installing handrails in the bathroom or removing tripping hazards. Have a plan in place in case of emergencies with a list of emergency contacts.
- Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Caring for someone with a chronic illness can be physically and emotionally draining. Make time for yourself and take breaks when you need them. Reach out for support from friends, family, and community resources.
We at Right at Home care for many people with Parkinson’s. We assist them with meals, exercise, hygiene assistance and transportation to doctor appointments. We also provide respite time for the family caregivers. Right at Home has complimentary resource guides for easy access at https://www.rightathome.net/snohomish-county/resources
Victoria Johnston, Owner Right at Home Snohomish
1612 4th St., Suite 100, Marysville, WA
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