Family Members

Be Involved

(Family at doctor's appointment)

Doctors highly recommend that family members attend doctor's appointments with their loved one. As Parkinson's disease progresses, patients dementia may get worse and their memory will become less clear and it becomes crucial that they have someone at doctors appointments with them. By attending these appointments family members will be able to ask questions that the patient may forget and help them to recall what the doctor said. Also, by attending these appointments family members will be able to see how the disease is progressing and discuss treatment methods with the doctor.

 Establish a Support Team

When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease it is extremely important that they find support and their family member or caregiver finds support. This support group can consist of friends, neighbors, and family members. This support team can help to run errands, get groceries, make dinner, or just be a listening ear. Some people may prefer to find a support group for caregivers. Support groups can be found online and can allow family members a safe place to share experiences, ask questions, and gain friendships.
(Support group meeting)

Take Time For Yourself

The most important thing you can do as a family member is to take time to yourself when your loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson's dise
ase. This can be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood or grabbing lunch with a friend. By allowing yourself to have some alone time you would be benefitting your loved one and yourself.

(do something with friends that you enjoy)

Self Management

Nutrition
People with Parkinson's disease must be sure to eat well balanced diets. These people must eat additional fruits and vegetables to ensure that they are getting enough fiber. Fiber helps with maintaining regular bowel movements and decreasing constipation. People suffering from Parkinson's disease must also ensure that they are drinking lots of fluids in order to stay hydrated. Patients with Parkinson's should also keep sugar salt intake to a minimum. The most important nutrition advice for Parkinson's disease patients is to balance food with their medications. This is crucial to ensure successful management of Parkinson's disease. You can also reference http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/eating-right about daily diets for patients with Parkinson's disease.

(example of proper diet)

Exercise
Exercise is very important to daily self management of Parkinson's disease. Exercise can help a patient to maintain or even improve mobility and flexibility. Parkinson's disease patients should incorporate exercise into their daily activity in order to manage this disease. Many patients with Parkinson's disease also receive physical therapy to gain exercise and work on flexibility. Exercise for these patients does not need to be extensive but should be done daily.

(Exercises for Parkinson's disease patients)

Support
Another key aspect in self management of Parkinson's disease is finding support from people who are going through the same struggles. Support groups often help patients to learn how to live with this disease. Support groups are also an outlet that lets patients talk about their problems. Having support can also reduce secondary symptoms of this disease, like depression. Support groups can be found by calling (800) 457-6676. 

(Parkinson's support group meeting)