Parkinsons?

Question

Any advice for somebody who lives with his father in his mid 60's who suffers from Parkinsons. He was diagnosed a year ago but has got worse, the drugs don't seem to work and he is slowing up badly, it takes him a minute to open a packet of crisps!! Now his eyes seem to go 'lazy' in the evening
Help!!

Answer 1

parkinsons slowly eats away at your motor skills....the only thing that you can do is to encourage him to keep doing what he can do and help him with things he cant do... make sure there is adequate lighting at night in case he wants to get up in the middle of the night.... most falls occur at night and is the leading cause of hip fractures... which will complicate the situation much more... also you can do range of motion exercises.....like arm and leg circles....this will maintain or improve his endurance and prevent stiffness ..... also see a neurologist and get a re-evaluation of his medication.. what works for one may not work for another....good luck...

Answer 2

Try to find a support group in your area. There are many helpful tools available and things that can make it easier for him to do things for himself. I have had 2 close relatives who had Parkinsons but that was a long time ago and I know things have improved then.

In both cases their mental health was in perfect shape and it was very hard for them to have to depend on more help from relatives every day. Help him to do things for himself, don't do everything for him.

Buy crisps that are easier to open. You will need all your patience and you also have to remember to take care of yourself. Good luck to you.