Caring for PD carers
Caring for a person with PD can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, and therefore it is important that carers receive the support that they need. The help of a carer is vital to the daily life and health of a person with PD, but the welfare of the carer should not be forgotten.
A carer may find it helpful to:
- find out about PD, and make sure that the person with PD receives the most effective treatment for their symptoms. This offers relief to the carer because the person with PD is better able to cope with daily activities, and is also less likely to succumb to distressing emotional disorders such as depression or anxiety
- communicate well with the person with PD – allowing them to have their own ‘voice’. The ability to share experiences and laugh together can be a great stress reliever
- maintain interests outside the home – whether it is talking to a friend on the telephone, pursuing hobbies, attending a regular club/meeting, or visiting a PD carer support group
- take good care of their own health, and visit the doctor to discuss medical treatment, practical/emotional support, or personal concerns such as sexual issues. Exercise, a balanced diet and sleep are also vital for good health
- seek help as soon as it is needed
- contact community services, who may be able to help with daily chores, and can also offer daycare or holiday relief schemes, which can give both the person with PD and the carer a break
- find time for themselves, and make a point of relieving any stress. In addition to the ideas described above, relaxation techniques such as massage, yoga or aromatherapy can be beneficial for both a carer and a person with PD
Read more about carers on Rewrite Tomorrow, a European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA) website: www.rewritetomorrow.eu.com/en/carers
