5 Tips For Helping A Loved One With Parkinson’s Disease

North Vancouver Senior Health  |  April 14, 2025

What Every Senior in North Vancouver and West Vancouver Needs to Know About Parkinson’s Disease

5 Tips For Helping A Loved One With Parkinson’s  | Parkinson’s disease is a condition that can affect how someone goes about their everyday life. When someone you love has Parkinson’s disease, it’s easy to see how much effect the condition has on even the simplest tasks.

April is World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day, a moment to raise awareness about this nervous system disease. #WorldParkinsonsDiseaseDay.

Symptoms such as poor balance, tremors, and involuntary movements can make even simple tasks difficult.

If you have a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, they must know that you are there for them. There are many ways you can help a loved one manage Parkinson’s disease.

5 tips that will help them cope with Parkinson’s Disease

Tip #1 – Learn As Much As You Can About Parkinson’s Disease:

One of the best ways to help a loved one manage Parkinson’s Disease is by learning as much information about the condition as possible. While you may be familiar with the many symptoms of Parkinson’s, there is still a lot to learn about what causes those symptoms and how the condition will progress. By learning more about the condition, you can plan more efficiently as the condition progresses and learn about different treatments that may ease symptoms. 

There are many resources you can utilize to learn about Parkinson’s Disease. By doing so, you will provide better help to your loved one and make the process easier for yourself. As more information about Parkinson’s Disease comes out, you will be able to help your loved one cope with this condition. 

Tip #2 – Identify When Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Are Worsening: 

Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that progresses over time. However, because of its gradual progression, it may be easy to miss when symptoms have worsened. That’s why it’s so important to pay daily attention to how your loved one is coping with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

It’s important to note that not all symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease have a physical form – up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s Disease will suffer from depression at some point. Parkinson’s Disease is very much affected by mental health. If you notice a change in your loved one’s mood, you should encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional. If they need support, make it known that you are willing to accompany them. This can make a huge difference in how your loved one copes with the condition. 

Tip #3 – Be Understanding with Your Loved ones with Parkinson’s Disease:

Parkinson’s Disease can leave people feeling out of control of their bodies. This can cause side effects, such as slower movement, trouble talking, and more. You must be understanding with your loved one. Never show frustration with something out of their control, because you may inadvertently make your loved one feel like they are a burden. 

While your loved one can seek help from professionals such as speech therapists and physical therapists, it’s important to be patient. Parkinson’s Disease can make many activities take longer than they used to, and this is out of your loved one’s control. Assist them when necessary – if they are having trouble walking, let them hold on to you. If they are having trouble speaking, assist them with other forms of communication such as text messaging. 

Tip #4 – Keep A Parkinson’s Disease Diary:

Keeping a diary of every day you spend with your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease is a great way to keep track of any changes to their health. It’s also a great way to check in on their progress, and how they are coping. For example, looking back 3 months prior – how were they? What were their symptoms like compared to now? A diary is a great way to keep track of the progress of the disease and can also be used for medical appointments! 

Tip #5 – Be A Good Listener: 

Being a good listener is incredibly important when helping a loved one cope with Parkinson’s Disease. Your loved one will likely be going through a wide range of emotions, and you must express that you are there to listen without judgment. Encourage seniors to express their emotions and be supportive and positive. By doing so, your loved one can have a better outlook in terms of both mental and physical health. 

Parkinson’s Disease mustn’t be treated as a secret that needs to be hidden. Being open about one’s feelings during this time can help your loved one cope with Parkinson’s and can give you a better understanding of how they’re dealing with their symptoms. 

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