Caring for a Loved One with Parkinson’s: Your Daily Checklist
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease is a journey of both patience and partnership. Some days, your loved one may need a helping hand with everyday tasks. Other days, they may simply need more time and encouragement to do things independently. This caregiver-friendly checklist is designed to make daily routines smoother—for both of you.
Grooming Support
Small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Simplify dental care. An electric toothbrush can be easier to manage if stiffness or tremors are present. If you assist with brushing or flossing, try to avoid the back of their tongue to help prevent gagging. A small towel nearby can help with drooling.
- Shaving made easier. Electric shavers are often gentler and safer. Afterward, encourage the use of a soothing lotion instead of aftershave, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Bathing with Safety and Dignity
The bathroom can present safety challenges, but with the right tools, it can be a comfortable and secure space:
- Choose showers over baths to reduce fall risks.
- Equip the shower with a sturdy bench, grab bars, and a handheld showerhead so your loved one can bathe while seated.
- If dry scalp or dandruff is an issue (a common side effect), use gentle dandruff shampoos like those with coal tar or salicylic acid—and always rinse thoroughly.
- After the bath, wrap them in a cozy, absorbent robe to dry off without extra effort.
Getting Dressed with Confidence
Encouraging independence while removing frustration:
- Select clothing that’s easy to manage, like pants with elastic waists, front-closure bras, and tube socks. Avoid items like pantyhose or over-the-head garments.
- Consider replacing buttons with Velcro for ease of use.
- Avoid shoes with rubber soles, as they can catch on the floor and lead to tripping.
- Lay out clothes in the order they’re typically worn, and offer adaptive tools like long-handled shoehorns or buttonhooks.
- Allow your loved one to dress themselves as much as possible, starting with the side of the body most affected by symptoms.
Mealtime Tips
Nutrition plays a big role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms:
- Incorporate fiber-rich foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and bran—to help prevent constipation.
- Add calcium-rich items like cheese, yogurt, or fortified milk at least three times a day to support bone strength, especially because falls are more likely with Parkinson’s.
- Parkinson’s medications, especially levodopa, work best on an empty stomach. Serve high-protein foods after medication to avoid interference with absorption.
- For swallowing difficulties, prepare soft, moist meals and avoid dry, crumbly foods. Thickened beverages and smoothies can be easier to manage.
- If mealtimes are tiring, opt for smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Encouraging Activity and Joy
Physical limitations don’t have to limit fulfillment:
- Keep them engaged. Use adaptive tools for hobbies they love—like special grips for painting or tools for gardening. If a hobby becomes too difficult, find a related activity they can still enjoy, like listening to music instead of playing an instrument.
- Encourage calming, stress-reducing activities, such as listening to music or trying guided imagery—both can help ease tremors and promote relaxation.
- Promote facial exercises to help maintain expression and muscle function: encourage them to sing, read aloud with exaggerated mouth movements, or even make funny faces.
A Final Word of Encouragement
The hands-on parts of caregiving—like grooming, dressing, and meal prep—can be physically and emotionally demanding. But they’re also deeply personal, shared moments that can strengthen your bond.
Whenever possible, let your loved one lead. Supporting their independence, even in small ways, helps preserve dignity and fosters a sense of purpose. And always remember—you’re not in this alone.
At All Heart Home Care, we offer expert, compassionate support for families navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s in San Diego. Whether you need daily assistance or just a little extra support now and then, we’re here to help.
