April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Thank You!

You caught sight of it. The slight tremor in your mom's hand. It was barely perceptible a few months ago, but now it is different. Her doctor diagnosed her with Parkinson's, and now you are wondering what will happen next. While there is no cure for it, you can still help your loved one with the complications that come with it. For example, she will likely experience cognitive issues or emotional changes. Enlisting help from a trained personal support worker makes things a little easier for both of you. Facing her disease together lets her know she has someone to lean on. Mom doesn't have to be alone; you can stay on top of your career and family.

4 Tips to Help Your Loved One with Parkinson's

You can be the best support possible for your loved one using these steps and the assistance of a senior care professional:

• Keep conversations open and honest. Watching your mother's health decline because of this debilitating disease is challenging. Your once-thriving mother slowly losing mobility and becoming dependent on you is difficult for her. Your best option is to keep the lines of communication open between you.
• Educate yourself on the disease. You will know what to expect and what options for treatment are available for your loved one. Understanding the disease and how it affects your dad will help you, too.
• Go to doctor's appointments. It is helpful to have someone available to take notes and ask questions. You can be that second set of ears for your parent and share any observations you have about them, such as their moods or sleeping problems.
• Spend time with them. Parkinson's is a slow-progressing disease that starts with small tremors and grows into immobility. It is helpful to spend as much time as possible with them to offer support and observe them. A personal support worker can fill in when you cannot be around.

Events to Bring Awareness to Parkinson's

Getting involved and volunteering with others raises awareness about this debilitating disease. Here are some events you can find around the province:

• Parkinson's Canada has a SuperWalk in September and a Pedaling for Parkinson's event for cyclists.
• Parkinson's Society has a World Parkinson's Day Celebration on April 11th, conferences, and a golf outing.
• Passion for Parkinson's Foundation is hosting a gala on April 23, 2023, along with other activities throughout the year.
• Porridge for Parkinson's helps raise funds for Parkinson's research. You can join in for brunch with a purpose.
• The e-ParkinsonPost is an online publication geared toward Canadians living with Parkinson's disease. For what is happening in your community, check out their interactive map.

Support for Your Senior with Parkinson's

Providing support to your mom or dad with Parkinson's Care is challenging. The team at Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON makes it easier. Our caregivers are well-trained to step in and assist where you need them. We offer tailored home care services, including cooking, personal care assistance, Alzheimer's and dementia care, medication reminders, and more. We are here to help you according to your specific requirements. Learn more when you contact us today.

Call us at (519) 571-1665 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver daily to families in Kitchener-Waterloo, Breslau, Conestogo, Elmira, St Jacobs, and surrounding areas.