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What to Do When Your Senior is Not Aware of Their Own Parkinson’s Symptoms

Home Care in Dix Hills NY

Being a family caregiver for any elderly adult can be challenging. When you are on a home care journey with a senior who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, however, it can be even more Home-Care-in-Dix-Hills-NYdifficult. This is especially true if your aging parent is not aware of the symptoms that they are exhibiting. When this happens you have the delicate balance of helping your parent overcome these challenges and limitations, and preventing conflict and unnecessary upset in your aging parent. Taking the time to help your parent in a way that is respectful and nurturing is an important step in being a truly effective and compassionate caregiver.

 

Use these tips to help you manage home care needs when your senior is not aware of their own Parkinson’s symptoms:

  • Be patient. Do not let the situation frustrate you. Be patient with your parent and with their symptoms. Remember that if your parent does not realize that they are going through these symptoms, they cannot be “doing it on purpose” or “trying to frustrate you”. Also be aware that the more anxious and upset you seem, the more agitated your parent may become, only worsening the symptoms and making the situation more difficult.
  • Do not shame. Avoid pointing out issues in a way that will be embarrassing or shameful for your aging parent. Do not make your loved one feel bad, or try to force them to recognize their symptoms by pointing them out in a shameful way. Instead, be supportive and work with your parent through each situation to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible for everyone involved.
  • Recognize risks. If your parent is not aware of the struggles that they are having, they might go into potentially dangerous situations without realizing just how risky they are. This makes it critical for you to know these risks and be able to resolve as many of them as possible, as effectively as possible. For example, if your parent is dealing with tremors and a stiffer gait, you will want to put measures into place to reduce fall risk.
  • Recognize what they do know. Do not assume that just because your parent does not realize the extent of their symptoms that they do not know that they are impaired. It is very likely that your parent has more of an understanding of the struggles that they are facing than you realize. Be sure that you are not being patronizing or condescending when handling your parent’s needs, and encourage them to help you make modifications. This will give you a good idea as to how much they really do understand, and can help you to feel more confident making these changes.

 

If your parent is progressing through Parkinson’s disease and does not seem to understand the extent to which they are impaired, an in home health care services provider can make a tremendous difference in your care efforts. This care provider can help to keep your parent safer, healthier, happier, and more comfortable.

 

If you or an aging loved one are in need of home care in Dix Hills, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!

 

Source:  http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/caring-for-someone-with-parkinsons/special-challenges-of-caring-for-someone-with-parkinsons

Stephen Sternbach

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