Basic Tips for Caregivers by American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

Basic tips for caregivers and others who help those with Parkinson’s disease:

Be encouraging.
Whether it’s getting the person with Parkinson’s to exercise, eat, dress, or do any other activity, have a positive, patient and encouraging attitude.  Allow the person with PD to do as much for him or herself as possible.  Squelch the tendency to jump up and do a task because you can do it faster and more easily than the person with PD.  Encourage him or her to eat as much as possible independently before offering assistance.

Give verbal cues when necessary.
“Walk with me to the bedroom.”  Talk the person with Parkinson’s disease through activities, like dressing and bathing.  “Let’s put on your shirt.”  “Help me button your shirt.”  “Let’s tuck in your shirt.”  Be patient and encouraging to minimize the stress of the situation.

Contact the local fire department about any special needs the person living with Parkinson’s might have should a fire emergency occur.
The information will be noted and, in an emergency, the dispatcher will be able to tell the firefighters where to look for the person needing assistance (i.e., which apartment, which bedroom), and what special equipment or rescue procedures might be necessary.  Communities vary as to how they record and retrieve this information; in some communities information between fire, police, and emergency medical services is not shared.  Even if your community has 911 emergency services, you should contact your local fire department and emergency service agencies independently before tragedy strikes.

Tips courtesy of
“Parkinson’s Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier”
by Shelley Peterman Schwarz – Demos Health