Talk to your carer
Tips for a person with Parkinson's disease and their carer:
- Stay calm - remember that, at times, Parkinson's disease can be frustrating for both patient and carer. If you feel annoyed, try closing your eyes, stepping out of the room, or counting to 10 before you react to the situation.
- Be open and honest about Parkinson's disease - discuss any aspects of Parkinson's disease or daily life that are bothering you, and try to find a solution together.
- Use practical aids - if communication is a practical problem, ask your doctor about speech therapy or practical devices such as voice amplifiers.
- Discuss your feelings - not only with each other, but with a friend or support group. If needed, your doctor or Parkinson's disease nurse can advise on counselling and emotional support.
- Be patient and understanding - Parkinson's disease sometimes makes it difficult for a person to understand quick or complicated speech, so keep all speech clear and simple, without being
patronising. This will prevent frustration for both patient and carer.
- Keep a positive outlook, and deal with one day at a time.
- Show your appreciation - remember to thank and compliment each other, and never forget to show affection. Parkinson's disease sometimes limits facial expressions, but this does not mean that there is a lack of feeling.
- Don't always focus on Parkinson's disease - take time to enjoy activities together, and talk about matters apart from Parkinson's disease.
- Attend medical appointments together - from time to time, go together to visit the doctor. This can help with understanding Parkinson's disease, and the doctor may also find it valuable to hear the view of the carer. However, a carer should avoid speaking on behalf of the patient.
