VISITING ANGELS SOUTHLAKE, TX 817-684-1996
Facebook YouTube X Instagram
Practical Tips to Cope With a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Practical Tips to Cope With a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

April is National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. There are approximately one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The incidence of Parkinson’s disease increases with age and men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.

Living with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging. The condition affects movement and can cause tremors and rigidity. Many older adults diagnosed with the condition rely heavily upon their family to help them navigate their day. It can be difficult for both parties to cope with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, especially as the disease progresses. If you have Parkinson’s disease, or are caring for a loved one diagnosed with the condition, here are a few practical tips to help you both cope.

Educate Yourself

There are typically five stages of Parkinson’s disease. In most cases, Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly through the stages. This means that you have time to learn more about the disease and what you can expect later on down the road. Consider joining a support group or ask your doctor for reputable resources. Research care options now so that you have a plan for when a family caregiver can no longer manage care needs.

Work Through Your Emotions

Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be emotionally debilitating. It’s important that both patient and caregiver work take time to work through their emotions. Some older adults live in denial while others fall into a deep sadness. If left unchecked, denial and sadness can lead to an unhealthy response to the diagnosis. Instead of repressing your emotions, find meaningful ways that help you work through how you’re feeling. Journal your thoughts, talk with someone you trust, or seek professional counseling.

Take an Active Role in Your Health Care

Although there’s not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatment options available to help patients manage their symptoms. Work closely with your primary care physician and neurologist to find the right medications that work for you. Focus on eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep. Talk with your doctor or specialist about balance and mobility exercises you can do to slow the progression of the disease.

Continue to Live Your Life

Parkinson’s patients and their family caregivers are both at risk for losing their identity. Family, friends, and even the patient may identify the person by the symptoms caused by Parkinson’s, instead of the person themselves. Family caregivers can lose their role as daughter, wife, husband or son as they assume the new identity of caregiver. If precautions aren’t taken, both patient and caregiver can feel swallowed up by Parkinson’s. A final tip to coping with Parkinson’s is to continue to live your life as best as you can. Parkinson’s patients should explore new opportunities that are meaningful and fulfilling. Family caregivers need to carve out time for themselves to prevent caregiver burnout.

Another practical tip to cope with a Parkinson’s diagnosis is to partner with Visiting Angels Southlake. We offer a comprehensive approach to senior home care that is customized to meet each client’s individual needs and preferences. We work with you to create a schedule so that fits your preferred routine, while giving peace of mind to family caregivers so they can step away to care for themselves. Our caregivers are professional and compassionate, and can assist in a variety of ways. To learn more about our home care services or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us by calling 847-429-0100.

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868