A Caregiver Provides Essential Support
The goal of Parkinson’s disease treatment is to manage the symptoms of the disease so that the patient can maintain their activities of daily living, (such as walking, writing, talking, and dressing). Although the patient and their doctor will make decisions regarding treatment, caregivers provide essential physical and emotional support to the patient. Caregivers can provide even more effective support for their patients, by following a few helpful tips:
Assist with Medication
- Keep a list of each prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, vitamin, and herbal supplement the patient is taking. Note how much of each is taken and when. You may want to use the Doctor Visit Worksheet found here to record this information and share it with the doctor.
- Ask the doctor for specific information about each medicine the patient is taking, and what to expect from the medications as the disease worsens over time.
- Make sure the doctor is aware if the patient uses alcohol or tobacco.
- Help the patient organize their medications each week into a medication organizer. The patient may need to take multiple medications, and a medication organizer can make it easier. For a complimentary medication organizer, enroll in the It's Your Move® program.
Encourage Activities
- Ask the doctor about the patient's staying active with simple, enjoyable exercises, such as walking or gardening.
- If balance is a problem, ask the doctor about seated exercises for the patient.
- Ask the doctor about other group activities or exercise programs, such as yoga or massage, which may be useful.
Suggest Healthy Eating
- Discuss dietary recommendations with the patient's doctor.
- Encourage the patient to enjoy a balanced diet rich in whole-grains, fruit, and vegetables.
- If the patient has trouble swallowing, be sure to cut the patient’s food into small pieces, and have him or her drink plenty of water during their meals.
- As a caregiver, learn basic first-aid techniques, such as the Heimlich or abdominal thrust maneuver, in case the patient falls or chokes.
- Ask the doctor if the patient should avoid any foods that could interfere with other medications he or she is taking. If it does, find out what other sources of protein the doctor suggests to avoid any complications.
