1. Help the Patient Remain Self-Sufficient
One of the most important ways you can help someone with Parkinson's disease is by making sure he remains independent for as long as possible. For example, instead of performing tasks on behalf of the patient, it's better to let the patient manage as much as he can on his own and offer a little help when it's needed. This is a key self-esteem building strategy.
You also should suggest alternate ways of completing tasks that have become too difficult for the patient. For example, a patient who enjoyed cooking before contracting Parkinson's may fail at trying to make elaborate meals. You can help her cope by offering your assistance, or showing her ways to make similar dishes using simpler methods, such as cooking with a microwave oven in place of a stove.
2. Listen to the Patient's Needs
Maintain an ongoing dialogue with the patient. At some point during the progression of the disease, you'll likely find him irritable, angry, depressed or frustrated. In fact, you're likely to feel these emotions yourself. Give the patient space when he needs it. Don't merely insist that the patient do things a certain way when he prefers a different approach. Listen to what the patient tells you, and accommodate his wishes within reason. It is important that the patient have a voice in the decisions that effect his lifestyle.
3. Maintain a Medication Schedule
You should stay in touch with the patient's doctor to remain current on the individual's medication regimen. As Parkinson's disease worsens, it becomes harder for patients to manage everyday matters. Learn the proper medication dosages and the times when each medicine should be administered, and then remind the patient to adhere to the schedule.
4. Take the Patient out for Exercise
Maintaining physical fitness is crucial to helping a patient cope with Parkinson's. Someone suffering from this condition needs exercise to maintain body strength and stay connected with the outside world. A regular exercise schedule should be followed for as long as the patient's mobility permits.
5. Put a Smile on Your Face
The importance of a positive attitude cannot be overstated, and the best thing you can do to help keep a Parkinson's patient's spirits up is to set a good example. Emphasize the positives, look on the bright side and hold out hope for a better tomorrow. The patient will have tough days and may have a hard time going out in public, where insensitive people may inadvertently make him feel self-conscious. You can help him cope by offering words of comfort, encouragement and reassurance.
