3 Tips for Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease can make those daily tasks such as toileting, bathing, dressing, sleeping and walking much more difficult. Feels like walking up Everest. Being a progressive condition, people and their families are often challenged to adapt to the many changes and the disease brings.

It’s clear living with Parkinson’s disease is not without it’s challenges and can be overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Listed below are 3 tips that will improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease – patients and caregivers – both easier and safer.

Educate yourself

The first step in helping caregivers and disease sufferers maintain a good quality of life is to understand what the disease is, how it can progress, and what treatments and assistive services as well as devices are available.

Get everyone involved

Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease should be allowed to complete daily activities on his or her own, which may also necessitate the use of assistive devices. This will help maintain his or her independence and will have a significant impact on self-esteem and self confidence.

All friends and family members should be involved in the Parkinson’s disease treatment program. Even if you are not a primary caregiver, learn how you can support a loved one with Parkinson’s disease emotionally and, if necessary, physically.

Set realistic goals

Patients and caregivers alike need to set realistic goals for themselves. Patients should not expect to cure themselves of the disease and also should not push themselves beyond what they are physically, mentally and emotionally able.

Caregivers should also not be left feeling confused and burdened. Get help and tap into the many resources available to you so that you can continue to live your life while properly supporting your loved one.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy Brisbane for Parkinson’s disease

A trained occupational therapist who is experienced in helping patients with Parkinson’s disease in Brisbane can make all the difference for patients and caregivers alike. An occupational therapist will take the time to visit a Parkinson’s disease patient so that they may assess the individual, put together a treatment plan and make recommendations to improve or maintain a patient’s quality of life.

Some of the areas a Brisbane occupational therapist can help with include:

Home modification suggestions, information and assistive devices
Arm and hand Parkinson’s disease exercises and therapies
Dinnerware and eating adaptations
Cooking and homemaking adaptations
Modifications to technologies used in the home (computer, TV, etc.)
Bathroom equipment recommendations
Aids for dressing and grooming

Improve your quality of life with Occupational Therapy Brisbane

Occupational Therapy Brisbane helps both caregivers and patients live better and more fulfilling lives by providing helpful recommendations and working solutions to the problems they are facing daily and in the long-term.

A senior occupational therapist from Occupational Therapy Brisbane will visit your home to assess your needs and to put together a Parkinson’s disease treatment program that will benefit you and your loved one. Contact us online or call us today at 1300 783 200.

References:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/parkinsons-disease
https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living
https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-caregivers#1
https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/physical-occupational-therapy#2-7