Top ten tips…

We know that having strategies in place can help mediate carer burnout. These hacks can help make daily life more manageable and improve the quality of life for both caregivers and those living with young onset Parkinson’s. Here are some of our favourites:

  1. Create a routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine can help manage symptoms and reduce stress for both the care partner and the person with Parkinson’s. Routines help manage expectations.
  2. Use technology: Utilise apps and devices for medication reminders, appointment scheduling, and tracking symptoms. Voice-activated appliances and home smart systems can also be helpful. Smartwatches can help with geolocation and fall monitoring with auto-set emergency contact notifications. Android and iOS home speakers or displays make life easier with features that let you use your voice to play media, manage your tasks, plan your day and much more.
  3. Stay organised: Keep a symptom diary to monitor any changes you witness in your person living with Parkinson’s and share your thoughts with the care team. This can help in adjusting treatment plans as needed and offers them not only your person with Parkinson’s viewpoint but also includes impacts of your person with Parkinson’s symptoms on you.
  4. Exercise together: Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or stretching exercises. Exercise can improve mobility and overall wellbeing for both you and your loved one.
  5. Plan ahead: Prepare meals and outfits the night before to make mornings less hectic. Having discussions around Advanced Care Planning early in the diagnosis can set your mind at ease so that you can concentrate on living well and in the moment. Planning ahead can reduce stress and make daily tasks more manageable. Write a Will. 
  6. Seek support: Join support groups for care partners to share experiences and gain insights from others in similar situations. Online forums and local support groups can be valuable resources. Make time for coffees or walks with friends.
  7. Educate yourself: Learn about Parkinson’s symptoms, treatments, and progression. Understanding the condition can help you provide better care and anticipate future needs. There are lots of resources on the Parkinson’s Australia website and YouTube channel.
  8. Communicate openly: Maintain open and honest communication with your loved one. Discuss your and their needs, fears, and expectations to ensure you both feel heard and supported.
  9. Take breaks: Care partners need to take time for themselves. Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. Carers Australia can offer emergency respite, so sign up through the Carer Gateway early to be able to access it when you need it.
  10. Adapt the home: Make the home environment safe and accessible. Install grab bars, remove clutter and tripping hazards, and ensure good lighting to prevent falls. See our home modifications infosheet for more. 

Don’t forget…

Most of all remember to be flexible. Parkinson’s symptoms are renown for fluctuating, so be prepared to schedule extra time, be adaptable to plans changing and modifying routines as needed. Manage your own expectations by understanding the symptoms of Parkinson’s and their impacts on the entire body including mood, movement, sleep, motivation, voice/speech and GI issues.

Resources:

The Davis Phinney Foundation specialises in creating resources for people caring for people living with Parkinson’s. You can see more here: https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/parkinsons-care-partner-resources/

Follow us for more on: 

Parkinson’s Australia Website parkinsons.org.au

Young Onset Parkinson’s (YOPX) youngonsetparkinsons.org.au

Parkinson’s Australia LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/parkinsons-australia-ltd

Parkinson’s Australia Facebook facebook.com/ParkinsonsAus

Young Onset Parkinson’s FB facebook.com/yopxaustralia

Parkinson’s Australia Insta instagram.com/parkinsonsaus

Young Onset Parkinson’s Insta instagram.com/yopxaustralia

PA LinkTree linktr.ee/parkinsons_australia

Parkinson’s Australia YouTube channel

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