Although it’s highly rewarding, caring for an aging-in-place loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can also be exhausting. Between going to doctor appointments, cooking meals and managing their household finances, there never seems to be enough time in the day. Allowing pent-up stress to reach the breaking point isn’t healthy for you or your loved one. In observance of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, here are some proven ways for you as a caregiver to relieve stress before it becomes an issue.   

Parkinson’s is a Progressive Disease 

The symptoms of PD vary in type and severity from individual-to-individual. In most cases those symptoms gradually worsen as the disease progresses. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, although certain surgeries and medications can help a patient live a more fulfilling life.

In the later stages of Parkinson’s, performing even routine activities of daily living (ADLs) become even more difficult. Over a course of many years, the typical person living with PD ends up with complications that eventually become fatal.

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

As the level of care required increases, it’s common for an informal caregiver who’s assisting a loved one with Parkinson’s to feel a high level of stress and be physically and emotionally drained. Known as “caregiver stress,” here are the classic signs and symptoms to watch for:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Lack-of-interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Getting irritable and angry
  • Rapid weight loss or weight gain
  • Substance abuse
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Getting sick more often than usual
  • Feeling alone and isolated

If allowed to persist caregiver stress can morph into full-blown caregiver burnout, which then places both the caregiver and care recipient at risk.

Stress Management Tips for Informal Caregivers 

Staying healthy and mentally refreshed while caring for someone with Parkinson’s is possible by taking these stress management steps:

Do your research

Learning all you can about the disease will help you better prepare for the future as care needs change. A great place to start is the Parkinson’s Foundation. Also get to know your loved one’s doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers. Joining a local Parkinson’s caregiver support group is another way to share your experiences with others and learn new skills.

Form a care team

“Many hands make light work” as they say, so lighten your workload by forming a care team with members whose time and talents will come in handy. Based on the skills and expertise that your loved one needs you may want to include on your care team:

  • Physical, occupational and speech therapists
  • Doctors who specialize in neurological disorders like PD
  • A geriatric care manager
  • Licensed dietician or nutritionist
  • Family members, friends and neighbors
  • Professional in-home caregiver

Once your team is ready, be sure to update everyone periodically about your loved one’s condition so that adjustments to their care plan can be made.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

To stay on top of your game you’ll need to take care of yourself by exercising regularly, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day, eating right and avoiding unhealthy habits. Aerobic workouts like walking, Yoga or swimming help reduce stress, promote a better night’s sleep and boost your immunity against illnesses. Also be sure to get an annual physical from your doctor.

Enjoy some “me time”

Before fatigue has had a chance to set in take a well-deserved break and use that “me time” to do something that you enjoy. Find someone reliable to fill in, like a friend, family member or coworker. If no one is available, you may want to consider hiring a professional respite caregiver from a licensed homecare provider.

Professional In-Home Respite Care for Alabama Seniors 

When it’s time to take a break from your caregiving duties contact Seniors Prefer Homecare and we’ll handle the rest.  While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate respite caregivers will provide your senior with the nurturing they deserve so they can remain safe and comfortable right where they want to be. In addition to respite care, our highly trained professionals can deliver daily living assistance services like personal care, companionship care, household duties, dementia care, or even 24-hour and live-in care.

With a focus on quality of life, our caregivers use a unique approach that’s designed to lift the spirits of those we serve while maintaining their independence, self-esteem and dignity. To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today, please visit www.seniorspreferhomecare.com!