Tips for Caregiving
Watch a movie. Go for a jog. Take yourself out to dinner. These are just a few of the things that you, as a caregiver, can do for yourself when you have time off. But here’s an important thing to remember: take your time off away from
where you do your caregiving. So, schedule a time to be away from your caregiving duties and then enjoy some leisure activities of your own.
First and foremost, as a caregiver, you’ll need plenty of rest. Add to that a steady amount of regular physical exercise and a healthy diet. Don’t forget to set aside time for entertainment, too! Last, but not least, you’ll need your friends and family even more to talk with about your support responsibilities and your feelings.
A caregiver’s health and well-being are just as important as the Parkinson’s disease patient’s. As a result, it’s important that both a caregiver and the patient stay healthy throughout their relationship together. Here are some patient care tips for caregivers:
Assist with Daily Activities and Therapies
Encourage the patient to stay active with simple exercises, like walking or gardening.
If balance is a problem, ask the patient’s doctor about seated exercises.
Check with the patient’s doctor to find out if other group activities or exercise programs, such as yoga or massage, may be beneficial for the patient.
If the patient is involved in physical therapy, speech therapy, or other exercise programs, try to assist the patient with their exercises.
Create a Safe Home for your Parkinson Patient
Check out The Parkinson’s Friendly Home for tips and information on maintaining a home or living space that is safe and comforting for a Parkinson’s disease patient. Help with the Patient's Treatment Program
For a great way to assist a patient with their prescribed treatment program, download the Visit Checklist (PDF).
Include in your notes any observations you make about the patient that may be useful to the patient’s doctor. Support the Patient in Eating a Healthy Diet
Encourage the patient to enjoy a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and calcium.
As a caregiver, learn basic first-aid techniques. Take Care of Yourself
As mentioned at the beginning of this section, the health of the caregiver—your health, in other words—is important to you and to the patient. Some ways that you can cope include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
Also, try talking about how you’re feeling with a close friend, family member, or counselor. This will help you deal with the emotions that you are going through. As a caregiver, you are working and caring closely for a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Observing a patient go through the stages of Parkinson’s disease can be stressful. Take good care of yourself.
Caregivers should listen to their family and friends. If someone you know expresses concern for your well-being, listen to them. You may be worn out and need a break.
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