Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease can be both rewarding and challenging. As the condition progresses, everyday tasks may become more difficult; mobility, speed, and mood can all be affected.
Whether you’re a professional care worker or supporting a loved one, understanding the specific needs of someone living with Parkinson’s is key to providing safe, respectful, and effective care.
This guide shares some practical tips for homecarers, from managing daily routines and supporting independence to recognising signs of change and maintaining emotional wellbeing. With the right knowledge and approach, you can help your client or loved one stay as comfortable, confident, and independent as possible.
For more than 30 years, the dedicated Forest Homecare team has been providing care and support for people with age-related challenges, long-term illness, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and those in palliative care. Get in touch for more information.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition. It’s caused by loss of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a reduction in the production of dopamine (a chemical that is vital for regulating movement).
The main symptoms of Parkinson’s are tremors (or involuntary shaking), slow movement, and stiff or inflexible muscles. People with this condition may also experience depression and anxiety, balance problems, loss of smell, sleeping issues, and memory problems.
Most people start to develop symptoms after 50, with men being slightly more likely to get Parkinson’s than women.
While there is currently no cure, treatment to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible is available.
What are the priorities of care for Parkinson’s?
Whether you’re new to the profession or have found yourself caring for a loved one, knowing what you should focus on can be a challenge.
Creating a safe and accessible home
A well-organised and thoughtfully adapted home environment can make a big difference in the daily life of someone with Parkinson’s. As mobility and balance become more of a challenge, safety becomes a top priority, especially when it comes to preventing falls.
- Remove tripping hazards. Clear away clutter, secure loose cords, and avoid rugs that slide or bunch up underfoot. Keep walkways wide and unobstructed so your loved one can move with confidence.
- Install grab bars and handrails where extra support is needed. This tends to be in bathrooms, stairwells, and long hallways. Even a simple handrail can help with stability and prevent injury.
- Ensure adequate lighting. Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to reduce disorientation at night. Make sure all rooms are well-lit during the day and light switches are easy to reach.
- Adjust furniture for better accessibility. Choose sturdy chairs with armrests to assist with sitting and standing. Add non-slip mats in wet areas, like the bathroom, and consider elevated toilet seats.
- Adaptive equipment may become necessary. This includes walkers, wheelchairs, and stairlifts. An occupational therapist can provide a home assessment and recommend the most suitable aids.
Promoting independence and wellbeing
Supporting someone with Parkinson’s isn’t just about meeting physical needs; it’s also about helping them stay active, engaged, and confident in their daily life. With the right approach, homecarers play a vital role in preserving independence and boosting overall wellbeing.
- Encourage regular exercise. Even light physical activity (like a short walk, light stretching, chair exercises, or tai chi) can help improve mobility, balance, and mood.
- Support a balanced diet. Focus on nutritious, easy-to-swallow food. Staying hydrated and eating well can help manage energy levels and support overall health.
- Encourage participation in meaningful activities. From gardening, puzzles, music, or social outings, these moments of enjoyment help maintain a sense of purpose, control, and connection.
- Be patient and flexible. Parkinson’s symptoms often vary from day to day, so it’s important to adapt routines when needed and allow extra time for your loved one to complete tasks.
- Communicate with care. Speak clearly and slowly, and give your loved one plenty of time to respond. Non-verbal cues (like gestures, facial expressions, or written notes) can also help.
- Keep a close eye on medications. Sticking to a consistent schedule is important for managing symptoms. Note any side effects or concerns and speak to a GP if anything seems out of the ordinary.
Homecarer support and wellbeing
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. As a homecarer, your wellbeing also matters. Looking after yourself is not only good for you, it also helps you to provide the best care possible.
- Seek support from people who understand. Whether this is in the form of a local group, online forum, counsellor, or other homecarers, connecting with others can provide reassurance and advice.
- Take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Even short breaks of time (like a walk or a coffee with a friend) can help you to stay well and avoid caregiver burnout.
- Stay informed about Parkinson’s and how it progresses. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel in responding to changes and offering the right support.
- Recognise the signs of caregiver burnout. These may include constant fatigue, frustration, or feeling overwhelmed. Don’t wait to reach out for help if you notice any of these red flags.
Planning for changing care needs over time
As Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, your loved one’s care needs are likely to evolve. While it’s not always easy to think ahead, having a plan in place can help reduce stress and ensure that future decisions are made with care, not urgency.
- Talk openly about long-term care options. This could include increasing support at home, exploring respite care, or considering residential care if it becomes necessary.
- Discuss legal and financial matters early on. Getting things like power of attorney, care preferences, and financial arrangements in order can provide peace of mind.
Creating person-centred Parkinson’s care plans
Being a homecarer for someone with Parkinson’s takes patience, planning, and compassion. While the journey can be challenging, having the right tools and support in place can make a real difference (not just for the person with Parkinson’s but for their family, too).
At Forest Homecare, we understand the changing needs that come with conditions like Parkinson’s. With decades of experience and a dedicated team of professionals, we’re here to provide personalised care and guidance when you need it most.