Support the patient’s independence
Being a relative of a person suffering from Parkinson’s is characterized by a lot of consideration for the self-determination of the sufferer. Although patients with Parkinson’s struggle with physical symptoms such as difficulty walking and posture, they are usually mentally fit. Since Parkinson’s patients are usually younger than other people in need of care, they demand a high degree of self-determination. Relatives can take this into account with so-called activating care for Parkinson’s. They provide help for self-help but leave their family member all the tasks that they can still do themselves. This strengthens self-confidence, independence and supports self-determination.
Independence with Parkinson’s can be promoted by relatives by supporting and encouraging those affected to remain independent. It is important that family members respect the person’s needs and boundaries and adapt their support accordingly. Every Parkinson’s patient is unique and requires individual support. It is important not to take things away from the patient because you may think you can do them better and faster. It is important to support and encourage the patient so that they remain independent for as long as possible, which also strengthens their self-confidence.
Relatives can help with the selection and use of aids such as walking aids, gripping aids or special cutlery. They can also help adapt the environment to facilitate independence, for example by removing obstacles or adding grab bars.
For example, relatives can help with everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking or housework. It is important that the person with Parkinson’s does as much as possible independently, but family members can provide support where needed to avoid being overwhelmed. So you can go shopping and cook together. Peel and chop the vegetables together. Or supporting the person suffering from Parkinson’s with eating, for example by providing them with certain eating and drinking utensils designed for Parkinson’s and instructing them in how to use them. There are, for example, specially designed anti-tremor spoons or Parkinson-friendly drinking straws that can be attached to the edge of the cup or drinking vessels with a nose cutout.
If dressing is a challenge, special button aids or zipper aids can encourage the patient to become more independent.
A wide variety of medication boxes are now available to support the independent taking of many medications. Some even have their own timer so that you are always reminded when to take your next tablet.
It can also be helpful to seek professional support from therapists such as physical and occupational therapists and speech therapists to further promote independence with Parkinson’s.
Relatives should support regular exercise and physiotherapy to maintain mobility with Parkinson’s. They can motivate those affected to exercise and accompany them if necessary. The same applies to speech therapy, because Parkinson’s can affect speech and language. Many Parkinson’s patients develop a quiet, cracked, shaky voice. If speaking is not practiced and trained, it often happens that the patient becomes more and more uncomfortable with articulation and eventually falls completely silent. This is often accompanied by a withdrawal from society.
Occupational therapy also plays an important role in promoting independence in Parkinson’s disease. Relatives should definitely support this. Occupational therapy can help adapt activities of daily life to individual abilities and needs. This may include adapting the environment, using assistive devices, or learning alternative techniques to improve independence. There are exercises to improve fine motor skills to improve finger dexterity, grasping objects, and writing. There are techniques that improve balance and coordination, as well as attention and memory.
It is important that relatives work closely with the respective therapist to integrate the skills and strategies learned into everyday life and to promote long-term independence with Parkinson’s.
