Approximately 6,660 Canadians will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease this year alone. Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed or has been living with the disease for a while, it may be time to think about getting help.
When you’re considering Parkinson’s care, you should ask these five questions.
1. What Care Options Are There?
Parkinson’s disease is commonly associated with impaired motor functioning, particularly uncontrollable shaking. The shaking usually starts in the hands but also affects other parts of the body. The disease has other symptoms and effects, however, and these can manifest differently in each individual patient.
As a result, not everyone with Parkinson’s disease will need the same kind of care. You need to ask about the different care options available to you.
There are three common options. The first is home health care, which provides light housekeeping, meal preparation, and other services. Companion care is another popular option, especially for those suffering from depression and anxiety. Personal care programs can assist with hygiene and other tasks.
2. Which Option Is Right?
Once you’ve learned about the different options for Parkinson’s care available to you, you need to determine which option is going to be the right fit. Different people have different care needs. Your loved one’s care requirements will depend on how advanced the disease is, the symptoms they’re experiencing, and what they need the most help with.
Some people will benefit most from a companion care program. This can help them get out and socialize more. Socializing plays a key role in human health. It can even slow the progress of certain diseases.
Other people will need assistance, either through a personal care program or a home health care program.
3. What Does the Provider Offer?
It can be difficult to choose a Parkinson’s care provider. There are many different providers. Not all providers are created equally, so you need to ask about each provider’s offerings.
A good provider should offer all three options—home health care, companionship, and personal care programs. This is very important; it’s likely you’ll want or need to switch programs or add services as the disease progresses. Your loved one may need help with the housework right now but may require assistance with personal hygiene later on.
If you choose a provider that only offers one type of program, you’ll need to switch to a different provider as the disease progresses. This disruption in switching care providers can be difficult for the patient.
4. Is the Provider up to Date?
Another important question to ask about Parkinson’s care is how up to date the provider’s information is. If the provider doesn’t keep up with the latest research and advancements in disease management, they’re likely to deliver care through outdated and ineffective methods.
You want to engage a provider that is keeping on top of the latest research! Advances in disease management are meant to help people provide the best care possible.
5. Do You Need Help?
There’s been a push to understand the burden of care on those tasked with caregiving. A few studies have focused on Parkinson’s care in particular and how caregiving for a person with Parkinson’s disease affects the caregiver.
Caregiver burnout is becoming more widely recognized. While you may be concerned another caretaker won’t provide the same quality of care, you should recognize if you do need help.
The Next Steps
Once you’ve decided Parkinson’s care is right for you and your loved one, the next steps including researching providers and programs available in your area. Reach out and ask questions.
