Parkinson’s is an emotionally and physically challenging condition for seniors and their loved ones. If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s, it is likely that he or she experiences diminished self-esteem in addition to his or her physical symptoms. Help promote your loved one’s emotional wellbeing and feelings of dignity with these three tips, presented by a leading provider of senior home care Oakville families can count on.
1. Be Respectful
While being respectful to an elderly loved one may seem obvious, sometimes it can be difficult to see when a loved one feels disrespected. As studies show that seniors with Parkinson’s frequently feel as though they are treated like children, one way to avoid hurting your loved one’s feelings is to make it a point to remember that he or she is an adult. While particularly if your loved one has impaired speech, you may feel the temptation to use simple sentences and language with him or her, be sure to never speak as though you are talking to a child. Especially because seniors with Parkinson’s disease maintain their mental faculties, it can be hurtful to be spoken to like an infant.
2. Promote Participation
As the symptoms of Parkinson’s advance, you loved one may need assistance eating, drinking, and fulfilling other daily tasks. However, in most cases there are ways that you can encourage your loved one to participate in his or her own care. Your loved one may be able to pick out his or her dinner, select his or her clothes, and even help as you or an Oakville Parkinson’s caregiver dress him or her. These types of tasks are small, but can help empower your loved one, making him or her feel more in control of his or her life. As feelings of control are associated with a positive life outlook and reducing feelings of depression, encouraging your loved one to do what he or she can may make a big difference.
3. Talk About Other Things
While you cannot avoid discussing Parkinson’s with your loved one, you can help maintain your loved one’s morale and dignity by making sure you also discuss other things. Whenever possible, start conversations with your loved one about his or her interests, current events, or other family members. Sharing details of your life with your loved one can also make him or her feel included and important. While it might seem silly, talking about little things can help your loved one keep his or her mind off his or her symptoms and can help you develop and maintain a strong personal bond with your loved one.
At Home Care Assistance, promoting your elderly loved one’s health and wellbeing is our top priority. To help our clients maintain a positive outlook, our experienced caregivers are professionally trained to provide emotional assistance, in addition to help with daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, and personal grooming. Moreover, our care services include Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke recovery care in Oakville, so whether your loved one has a physical or cognitive condition, our caregivers are qualified to assist. Call a knowledgeable Care Manager at (905) 337-1200 to learn more about how our care services can help your senior loved one and to schedule a free in-home consultation.