Taking Care of the Caregiver

One of the noblest things a person can do is take care of someone in need, especially when those needs vary constantly. People with Parkinson’s disease may require different amounts of help from day to day, or even hour to hour. Not only is the caregiver on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but he or she also has to be ready at a moment’s notice for things to change.

Something I would like to ask all of the caregivers out there is this: What do you do to take care of yourself?

I’m not suggesting taking an entire day off and to spend at the spa, as wonderful as that may sound;,that just isn’t practical for most caregivers. What I am suggesting, however, is that you take a little time for yourselves every now and then, even if it is only for an hour or two at a time.

Parkinson’s disease, because of its idiosyncrasies and variable presentation, is one of the most frustrating conditions I have been exposed to as an occupational therapist. It isn’t easy to watch someone slowly deteriorate, nor is it easy to care for someone who takes extra time to complete tasks such as eating or voicing a single phrase. Constantly being on watch for potential falls is also stressful. Many people with Parkinson’s suffer from additional illnesses like dementia, diabetes, or injuries associated with multiple falls. It is a lot for one person to deal with.

Taking time away from your responsibilities helps you be a better caregiver. It gives you time to unwind without anything to worry about. We all need a break from the grind, and taking a little break helps us stay sane, become more patient and more relaxed. You remember the good qualities about your loved one, rather than only seeing the effects of their disease.

How can you take a break? Easy. Get a support system. Train a few other family members or close neighbors on the basics, and once you feel comfortable with them watching your loved one, take a long walk. Go to the gym. Head to the mall. Get a pedicure. Do any little thing that makes you smile. And then, go home refreshed.

You can do this once a week, once a day, or even for an entire day depending upon what support you can get. Even if you think it seems silly, or that a single hour won’t give you the relief you need, I encourage you to try. The benefits of taking a break, no matter how small, cannot be measured.