Many people think about the physical challenges seniors with Parkinson’s experience. However, the emotional effects can also have a significant impact on their daily activities and overall wellbeing. Both the symptoms of the disease and the methods of treatment could negatively affect a senior’s emotional health. Continue reading to learn about Parkinson’s disease and its psychological effect on the elderly.
Anxiety & Depression
A large percentage of seniors with Parkinson’s experience high levels of anxiety and have a higher risk of developing depression as the disease progresses. They have difficulty maintaining routines and feel embarrassed about asking others to help with basic tasks. These emotions could decrease your aging loved one’s quality of life and have negative physical consequences. When anxiety isn’t controlled, your parent could become isolated and display behavioral changes. To reduce tension and lower the risk of depression, speak with your loved one’s primary care physician to discuss how the treatment is affecting your loved one’s emotional wellbeing. The doctor can also provide tips to enhance your loved one’s quality of life, especially his or her psychological health.
Your loved one may get a great deal of benefit from a professional caregiver, who can provide compassionate companionship as well as help with everyday tasks. Families looking for top-rated at-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Denial
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, many seniors go into denial. They refuse to accept the diagnosis, skip doctor visits, and fail to take their medications. The emotional reaction is due to fear and uncertainty. While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, there are actions seniors can take to slow the progression of the disease and boost their emotional health. Encourage your loved one to try out a variety of therapies and stick with the options that work best. Failing to face a diagnosis can be detrimental to physical, mental, and emotional health.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Cognitive Impairment & Fatigue
Chronic stress can cause symptoms associated with Parkinson’s to worsen, and it could increase the risk of cognitive problems, such as slow thinking and memory loss. When stress isn’t managed well, it can lead to fatigue, which is both a physical and emotional symptom of Parkinson’s. Fatigue brought on by stress could cause your loved one to lose interest in day-to-day activities, including hobbies and tasks he or she typically enjoys. Speaking with a therapist could help your loved one navigate the emotional challenges of Parkinson’s and reduce his or her stress levels.
What Family Caregivers Can Do
Having a strong network of family members and friends who provide physical and emotional support could prevent your loved one from becoming overwhelmed, and it can even slow the progression of Parkinson’s. You should also promote healthy eating and regular exercise. The foods seniors eat can impact the way they feel and behave. Yoga, swimming, and various physical activities can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and reduce negative emotions.
Parkinson’s disease can be particularly difficult to manage, and both seniors and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Edmonton Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.