If you provide care for an aging family member with Parkinson’s disease, you don’t have to embark on this journey alone. There are many support options available to family caregivers. When you receive support from friends, family, and those in your community, you may not only maintain your own health and wellness, but you may also ensure a level of high-quality care for your parent or loved one.
Types of Support
Caregiving can be a physical and emotional roller coaster. It’s important for caregivers to acknowledge any emotions they may be feeling, whether positive or negative, and to recognize their limitations. Overwhelmed caregivers may be in need of support.
Physical Support
For family caregivers, there often seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to handle all the caregiving responsibilities. From running errands and driving to medical appointments to preparing meals and helping with personal care, a caregiver may easily become overwhelmed. If help is needed with activities of daily living, family caregivers should seek support from trained caregivers who may assist with household chores while also providing high-quality care and companionship to their senior loved ones.
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 the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living may benefit from reliable homecare services. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their aging 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.
Emotional Support
Aside from the help of relatives and friends, support groups in the local community are a great place to ask questions, share stories, gain advice, and much more. Being able to share your experiences in a safe atmosphere with others in similar circumstances may be beneficial emotionally and help you become a better caregiver.
For those who lack the time or are too timid to attend a support group, there are forums and national caregiver organizations online that may specifically address any concerns you may have. You may browse these websites whenever you have the time, or you may view them on the go on your mobile phone or tablet. The following list may be a good starting point for caregivers to receive the help they need:
- National Family Caregivers Association
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
- Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
- Well Spouse Association
- American Parkinson Disease Association
For some families, caring for a senior loved one may be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they may rely on professional home care. Cincinnati, OH, Assisting Hands Home Care Cincinnati is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Financial Support
Holding a job isn’t an option for someone who’s a full-time caregiver. Fortunately, there are many options for financial support through local financial assistance programs and charities. Some of the most notable are the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) and the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides financial support for those caring for senior relatives aged 60 or older.
Medical Support
Along with being proactive in learning how to provide the best care for their loved ones with Parkinson’s, it’s essential that caregivers regularly communicate with medical professionals about their own health and wellness. Weight fluctuations, dramatic changes in mood, feelings of depression and isolation, and extreme stress are just a few of the negative side effects family caregivers often experience. It’s important for caregivers to seek the medical attention they need if any of these issues become extreme.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s may be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver may be a wonderful source of support. If your aging loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Cincinnati senior care agency you may trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (513) 993-5025.
