Many caregivers don’t realize just how much of an impact Parkinson’s disease can have on an individual’s social life. As the disease progresses, seniors often become very reclusive, which affects their physical and mental health. If you’re caring for a senior who has Parkinson’s, you must keep an eye out for any signs that your loved one is becoming socially isolated. You must also take steps to ensure he or she continues to interact with as many people as possible.
Parkinson’s and Isolation
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that damages key areas of the brain, and it can produce a myriad of symptoms that range from speech impediments to tremors. While many of those issues aren’t life-threatening, they can greatly impact an individual’s social life. Your loved one could become very self-conscious about the symptoms, and going out in public might cause quite a bit of stress. Some seniors with Parkinson’s also lose their confidence because they need assistance with everyday tasks. Over time, many of them begin to avoid all social interactions simply because they don’t want to experience anxiety or embarrassment.
At some point, your loved one may get a great deal of benefit from having a professional caregiver help with everyday tasks. Families looking for top-rated elder 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.
Signs to Watch Out For
As a caregiver, one of your most important duties is watching out for any signs of social isolation. While your loved one is sure to have the occasional day when he or she wants to stay home and spend time alone, this type of behavior shouldn’t happen all the time. When the symptoms become worse, your loved one might start to make excuses about why he or she can’t go out or meet with certain people. Some seniors with Parkinson’s also lose interest in personal hygiene and their physical health. If you’ve recently noticed any of those signs, come up with a long-term plan for breaking those habits.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to manage, 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 Waterloo 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.
Benefits of Staying Socially Engaged
There are several reasons seniors need to stay socially active as they grow older. By maintaining friendships, they can greatly reduce their risk of clinical depression, anxiety, insomnia, and many other mental health complications. Having a circle of tight-knit friends may also encourage your loved one to get out of the house and engage in healthy activities. Studies have revealed that being socially active can boost cognitive health as well. Meeting up with friends and family won’t reverse Parkinson’s disease, but those activities can boost your loved one’s quality of life.
Tips for Caregivers
If your loved one seems to be cutting off ties with friends and family members, you have a few different options to choose from. Many seniors with Parkinson’s benefit from regular therapy sessions, but your loved one might prefer to join a local support group for those who have this disease. In this support group, your loved one will be surrounded by others who are experiencing similar difficulties and challenges. You can also host social activities in the comfort of your loved one’s own home so he or she doesn’t have to worry about being out in public.
Many seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can continue to live at home, but they’ll most likely need assistance from a family member or other caregiver to do so safely. For many seniors in Waterloo, ON, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (519) 954-2111 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.