Monday, 20 January 2020

Caring for a Family Member with Parkinson's Dementia: Coping Strategies

Many people often think that Parkinson's disease simply causes physical changes in an individual, such as tremors and problems with mobility. However, the condition is associated with cognitive changes too. In fact, many sufferers will experience mild to moderate memory loss, which has been termed Parkinson's disease dementia. It is estimated that around 70 percent of all Parkinson’s sufferers will experience PD dementia as the condition progresses. 

There are various ways in which to assist a family member who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and who is showing symptoms of cognitive decline, to cope. Here are some helpful guidelines.

Consider home health care for the elderly 

Many individuals with Parkinson’s will require assistance around the house, especially as their motor function continues to decline. This is why many families opt to go in search of a live-in companion with the help of an home care assistance agency in an effort to allow their senior relative to ‘age in place’ without any need for an assisted living facility. 

Try to include them in the decisions regarding their care

The majority of Parkinson’s disease sufferers will only experience mild to moderate signs of dementia, which means that they will often be capable of communicating with you. As such, it can be helpful to include them in the decisions regarding their care. For example, consider meeting with a number of different live-in companions and then consulting with your loved one regarding which one they felt most comfortable with. 

Adjust their lifestyles 

While it often takes an extended period of time before Parkinson’s becomes debilitating or severe, There are certain precautions that you, as a caregiver, should take long before it reaches that stage. This is especially important the moment that your loved one starts showing signs of Parkinson’s disease dementia. For example, you may want to talk to them about no longer driving themselves, and speak to them about things like fraud and online scams – to which they will become more and more vulnerable as their cognitive symptoms worsen. 

Buy an ID bracelet 

This bracelet is essential in the event that a person with Parkinson's dementia ever gets lost. The bracelet should include important information, such as your contact details and their medical alert identification details. 

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