How Do I Increase My Fathers Quality Of Life? To Go More Out Of The House, Do Things Etc | MyParkinsonsTeam

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How Do I Increase My Fathers Quality Of Life? To Go More Out Of The House, Do Things Etc
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭

Dad has 7 years Parkinson, depression, stiffness. but still clear mind.

Being active would be positive for him, but he sleeps much during the day and gets tired quickly.
Getting tired quickly holds him back to go out and enjoy life. I take him with me, go sailing, walking, but still

Cannot ride a bike anymore, because slow reaction in traffic, breaks his heart.
Needs help with his jacket etc.

one other thing, he fixates on problems that are not there, worries about the future etc. keeps… read more

posted July 12, 2016 (edited)
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hello there, what a wonderful son you are. My best friend was diagnosed a year ago. He struggled so much with depression and denial and I didn't know what to say or do. Recenlty, I've tried something new. I have opened up and said "I would love to help you more and give you a better quality of life. Can we talk in a few days about what that would look like? I am willing to do whatever that takes." He seems sincerely grateful that I asked him this. We are both doing research in what's possible and he knows that my intention is pure and true. Perhaps, you could talk to your dad every few days and simply say "So what do we need to look at this week? What's the biggest thing you are dealing with?" Sadly, my former father in law who had parkinsons took his life on July 4. That was a BRUTAL reminder to me of how hard this disease can be for even the sunniest of people. So, I got a wake up call that I needed to be involved on a daily basis even though my friend acts like he's got it all under control. Communication and compassion can go a very long way in just being a non-judgmental listening mattress - a soft place for him to fall or just rest. Best wishes to you - and all of us on this journey. it is a journey and there's no wrong way to love or care… Nadia

posted July 22, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

You are the best one to find out what he needs for his body. But I can tell you, you can improve his life by talking to him and LISTENING to him. Or saying Dad, what would you like to do today. Or Dad, do you need anything today? Take him to family events and pre tell the people to please be normal with him, talk to him, let him talk. No shifting of eyes, be normal. And take him to his normal outings. Is he a baseball fan? A music fan, love theater performance? What did he use to do before Parkinsons? Help him do it now but with appropriate devices to allow him to keep doing it. Listen to him. He is not crazy. He is depressed his body is not cooperating. And last, what would you want, if you were in your dads place?

posted October 16, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

First off: I am thinking your Dad having YOU in his life raises his quality of life...Being a care giver is NOT easy, in any way shape or form...From this site, I have seen many people mention the cane with the fold out chair...This may help so he is not "searching" for a place to sit when he starts to tire...Is there a nearby park or someplace you can go bike riding without traffic??? This may help him keep something he had enjoyed...It's difficult to understand some things are no longer possible, finding alternative ways to do things is key!! Have you checked in to any local Movement or SilverSneaker classes for him??? This will get him moving and open the possibility of him meeting others...PD can make the world seem very small...Short trips out may also help him, as he can get out of the house, but not tire from being out so long...Is he seeing a Dr/taking any meds for Depression or Anxiety??? Unfortunately, they seem to come along hand-in-hand with PD...Some days I see "icebergs on the route" (Love the way you put that, BTW...I may borrow that line, if you don't mind)...I hope getting some feedback helps...There are many care givers on this site which I'm sure have some better insight than I...Keep your head up...And thanks for being a great son...This world needs more sons like you...

posted July 12, 2016
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My husband is 86 yrs of age, PARKINSON'S, SEVERE SCOLIOSIS!!! He is now on HOSPICE care, in our home, so I (I am 72 yrs of age), and I have to
take care of him as he is, for now, seen by an R.N., 2 times/wk. I am a retired R.N. (ICU/Cardiac), but it is not the same taking care of your own family. My husband is at the point that he sleeps 90% of the time. He awakens and goes
to the restroom and right back to bed, or wherever he "finds a spot". He is not
interested in anything except baseball and football.......he is a good man, but I
tend to get a bit angry because he says things that I don't appreciate. He really
doesn't know what he's means when he says it. His mind is alert, but when he
sleeps, he is almost in a "coma state"!!
I am at home with him 99% of the time as I don't want to leave him alone in this
state. I really don't know what to do except be there for him and "treat him as I
would want to be treated". THIS IS MUCH EASIER SAID THAN DONE!!! I
ask The Lord for forgiveness several times during the day as I get so tired,
mentally and physically, and spiritually! I have my own health issues. so it's
very difficult as you can well imagine.

Well, just thought I would share how things are going. If there is any thing I can do for you, please feel free to send a message.

Kindly,
Cynthia Lea

posted October 2, 2019
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

So wonderful that you are looking out for your father! Not long after my diagnosis I became very depressed and worried about the future, etc. I also cried a lot and about the least little thing. My wonderful neurologist told me that depression is part of PD and ordered a mild medication that worked wonders. Perhaps you might speak to your father's doctor if your father will allow it. I am more interested in doing things as I am able and that can be a challenge. Keep up the good work. God bless you both.

posted July 14, 2016

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