It is essential that carers look after themselves. Be as healthy as you can by following these tips:
It is common for carers to ignore their own health problems because they are so focused on the needs of the person they are caring for. Make sure you consult your doctor about any health problems you have to ensure anything serious is identified at an early stage. Minor ailments should be treated promptly so that they don’t develop into something more complicated. Discuss your caring role with the doctor – some surgeries keep a register of carers that can be helpful if you encounter problems and need further support. Also ensure that you keep regular dental and eye check up appointments.
Caring for a person with Parkinson’s may involve a significant amount of lifting and turning, putting extra strain on your back, neck and shoulders. It is important to use safe techniques for lifting and handling to ensure minimal strain and prevent injury to your own body. A physiotherapist and occupational therapist can advise further.
A balanced diet is essential to keep you healthy and fit for your daily challenges. Eat a variety of different foods, with a good balance of protein, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and in the right quantities to maintain a healthy weight. A common complaint amongst carers is that they find it hard to know what to cook, often because thy have limited time, or historically they are not household cook. But help is available: healthcare professionals, such as dieticians, will be able to advise further and there are several websites that offer guidance and suggestions, such as www.eatwell.gov.uk. Some carers find it helps to plan food ahead. Prepare meals in advance by making extra portions and keeping them in the freezer, and always stock up on basic ‘store cupboard’ ingredients so that you have simple meals in reserve.
Carers often find they spend a large proportion of their time on their feet, so foot care is essential. If you experience any problems, consult your doctor, who may refer you to a podiatristfor treatment.
Basic foot care can easily be done at home: wash your feet daily in warm, soapy water, and dry carefully between the toes. Trim nails regularly, cutting straight across without making nails too short or cutting down at the corners as this may lead to in-growing toe nails. Always wear comfortable shoes to prevent long-term damage to your feet.
Try to develop a regular exercise routine. Not only will this help your fitness levels, it will also encourage the release endorphins to help reduce stress. Join an exercise group, or simply include walks or other exercises into your daily routine. Some techniques, such as Pilates, yoga and tai chi, have additional benefits, but any exercise, however mild, will be valuable. If the person you care for can exercise with you, this can be good for their health and provide you with an activity to enjoy together. If not, then treat this as an opportunity to enjoy some much deserved time for yourself.
These non-conventional health treatments (see Complementary Therapies section of this website), when used alongside traditional medicine, can be hugely beneficial for people with Parkinson’s, but can also have many benefits for carers. For example:
Tiredness and stress are very common problems for carers. Many feel their role leaves them physically, mentally and emotionally drained, and at the risk of being too exhausted to be an effective carer. Prolonged stress and tiredness can cause health problems that can affect your ability to be a carer. Moreover, other health problems may, in fact, be stress-related, even though they don’t appear to be, so it is vital that you are proactive in managing your stress levels.
Warning signs that you may be suffering from stress include:
It is important to find ways to manage stress and tiredness, so if you recognise any of these symptoms in yourself, seek advice from your doctor. Try to work out what is causing these feelings and identify if there are any specific factors that you can adjust or eliminate. For example, some carers have found allowing a short rest after lunch helpful, or taking time out to prioritise daily tasks and deciding that some will have to be done less often puts things into perspective.
Discussing worries and pressures with family and friends and/or appropriate healthcare professionals can also help. Other carers and support groups may be able to offer useful tips. Seeking help is not a sign of failure; it is a positive step in helping you cope so that you can do the best for the person you care for.
A mental state of melancholia, unhappiness or sadness characterized by decreased energy, reduced interest in sex, suppressed appetite, too much sleep or sleep disturbance, a pessimistic sense of inadequacy, a despondent lack of activity, despair, and discouragement.
See section on Depression
A dietician advises on a healthy diet and specific dietary needs. They can offer advice on how diet can ease some symptoms, such as constipation. They may also liaise with a speech and language therapist regarding swallowing and eating difficulties.
The name endorphin, is derived from "endogenous morphine", which literally means "morphine produced naturally in the body". Endorphins are natural hormone-like substances produced by the body that function as natural painkillers.
An essential oil is an aromatic liquid that has been extracted from a single botanical source by distillation or expression (squeezing). There are over 400 essential oils extracted from plants all over the world – some of the most popular include chamomile, lavender, rosemary and tea tree. These natural plant oils can be applied in a variety of ways:
A system of personal development involving an integrated approach of mind and body control to promote health and inner peace. It usually involves gentle activities designed to maintain fitness, suppleness and muscle tone as well as to strengthen the body’s own healing powers. Breathing is important and together with meditation and visualisation exercises, is thought to help energise body and mind, reduce stress, and improve concentration and clarity.
See section on yoga.
Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living cells or organisms and which are harmful to humans, animals or plants.
Tai chi, t'ai chi or Tai chi chuan is a healing and fighting art which emphasises the mind/body connection, focussing on developing the ability to centre oneself and not be easily distracted. Practitioners believe the mind is the most important single factor in being able to achieve excellence in all areas of life, including health. The physical side of tai chi is a series of coordinated, rhythmical and seemingly effortless moves that aim to increase the body's movement range, aids relaxation, reduces stress and assists with good balance and posture.
See section on Tai Chi.
