As a disorder of the brain and nervous system, Parkinson’s disease can result in both physical and emotional symptoms, ranging from slow movements to noticeable changes in mood and personality. Uncharacteristic mood swings may be the result of medications or an aging adult’s awareness of the physical changes taking place in his or her body. If you provide home care for a senior loved one, watching him or her undergo mood swings and behavioral changes can be difficult and upsetting. Fortunately, there are treatments for mood disorders in aging adults with Parkinson’s.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help seniors understand the changes that are happening to them. A qualified therapist, especially one who’s familiar with the specific challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease, can help your loved one find ways to express and handle his or her feelings. The emotional effects of Parkinson’s that can be addressed through psychotherapy include:
- Depression
- Denial
- Anxiety
- Apathy
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable at-home care. Prestige Home Care, families trust Prestige Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Medications
Some medications can aggravate mood disorders. Antidepressants may counter the effects of medications that have otherwise positive benefits, while beta blocker medications, which are often used to control Parkinson’s tremors, can reduce the anxiety many seniors with Parkinson’s disease develop. In some cases, the task of finding medications that don’t drastically affect mood is something of a trial-and-error process.
Socialization
Some seniors with Parkinson’s may withdraw from their normal socialization habits as the disease progresses, sometimes causing mood-related issues such as fatigue or increased restlessness. Family caregivers can help by encouraging their loved ones to reestablish social connections or find support groups consisting of other individuals experiencing similar problems.
Comfort & Support
The best way to help anyone with Parkinson’s is to simply offer continued comfort and support as the disease progresses. For instance, if your loved one starts to experience hallucinations, don’t dismiss his or her concerns or argue that whatever he or she is seeing or fearing isn’t real. Instead, offer reassurance and show your parent you’ll be by his or her side. If you know you’ll be unable to provide consistent care as the disease progresses, start researching services that can provide your loved one with the 24-hour support required to meet his or her emotional, cognitive, and physical needs.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Altamonte Springs, FL, Prestige Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
How You Can Help
Every aging adult with Parkinson’s experiences a unique combination of symptoms and challenges over time. Your loved one may experience personality changes that are more subtle instead of ones that appear suddenly. These changes are more likely to be noticeable during the later stages of the disease. Observe your loved one closely, and discuss any concerns you have about his or her mood issues with a doctor, who may be able to identify possible causes and recommend appropriate approaches for treating them.
Caring for a senior with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Prestige Home Care, an in-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Prestige Home Care today at (407) 232-7155.