“Caring for a senior with Parkinson’s isn’t easy” is an understatement. Parkinson’s is a disease that gets progressively worse, increasing the degree of difficulty for caregivers that are often overtired and overstressed. Where can you find the support you need when it’s time to get help from others – either on a full-time or part-time basis?
Getting outside help often necessitates hiring services through a home care agency. But, you can also take advantage of your network and the kindness of others. However, you need to be mindful of potential scheduling conflicts, time constraints, and burnout in those assisting you.
For example, you may have an adult child living nearby that has a job and kids at home. However, over time your child may become overwhelmed trying to assist you with your caregiving duties. You’ll need to accept limitations and have a back-up plan when they’re unable to help.
Who Can Help You?
Let’s take a look at people and organizations who can provide you with the support you need.
Family and Friends
You may have multiple people involved in the caregiving process. In some cases, there can be more than one person providing care and assistance. This can include adult children taking morning and night shifts or several family members pitching in at different times of the day or week.
Friends and other family members who can’t help as often can make up your “B Team.” This team consists of the people who will be your back-up when you have other obligations or need some much-needed respite care. You’ll want to make sure these team members have the necessary information and training to fill in on short notice. Making sure they specifically know the unique needs of your loved one, and how to address them, is especially important when caring for a senior with Parkinson’s.
Your Local Community
Community organizations can often provide you with resources and services, even if you’re not a member of that particular organization. These organizations typically don’t offer hands-on help in the home, but they may be able to provide assistance and services like meal delivery or transportation.
For information on local assistance, visit the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging website for information on case management, adult daycare, home modification, and much more. This organization can help connect you with helpful services in your community and advise you on whether the services are offered for free or on a sliding fee scale.
Faith-based organizations are another very good resource. Contact those near you regardless of your religious affiliation and request assistance.
Volunteers
Many high school and college students participate in community service organizations. Young professionals and retired people also like to volunteer in their community. Depending on your comfort level, these volunteers may be able to help with a variety of tasks. They can assist with light housekeeping to grocery shopping or even basic caregiving.
If your town has a volunteer agency, they can do background checks and training before assigning volunteers.
Some communities also have organized respite volunteer programs. They train volunteers to stay with your loved one for a few hours while you attend an appointment or run errands.
Home Health Care Agencies
Home health care agencies are an invaluable resource. They can fill all of the roles we’ve looked at and more. Reputable agencies will carefully screen their care providers. They’ll know their caregivers’ backgrounds and personalities to match you with the person that can best meet the needs of your loved one. They can make sure they’re qualified to care for a senior with Parkinson’s.
A professional caregiver can give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one can be cared for at home and not be relocated to a facility, keeping them in an environment that is comfortable and familiar for them. Professional caregivers can also provide care 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Help At Home is one of the oldest and most reliable Home Care Agencies in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Our practitioners provide the best home health care services and cater to the specific needs of each client. We bring high-quality care right to your front door so that you can receive care in an environment that is comfortable and familiar to you.
Help At Home has been serving Chevy Chase, Maryland for over 20 years. Learn more about us at www.helpathomecare.com or call us at (301) 654-6789. We’ll be happy to visit with you about your needs and let you know how our friendly, professional caregivers can help you and your loved one.
