Living with or caring for someone with both Parkinson’s and cognitive problems can be very challenging. There will be occasions when your help and support is depended on heavily and there will be times when it will be better to take a step back and allow your patient/loved one to do things for themselves. This balance will be difficult to judge to begin with and it is likely to take time and patience to establish new routines and approaches to day-to-day living.
Encouragement, stimulation and helping your patient/loved one maintain their independence is very important and the suggestions in “How can I help myself?” may be helpful.
If cognitive problems become more advanced then support and respite is essential for carers/partners and there are many trained professionals who can provide expert help and advice, as well as organisations such as carer support groups. Your patient/loved one’s doctor or social worker should be able to identify those who can help in your area, or you may find contacts in telephone or online directories.
As both cognitive difficulties and some Parkinson’s symptoms can make speech and conversation difficult, the following tips may be helpful when communicating with your patient/loved one:
- speak very clearly and be patient, giving them plenty of time to understand and respond
- repeat information if necessary or break things down into manageable chunks, making one point at a time
- try not to ask questions that require complicated answers
- make eye contact and use gestures, facial expressions or touch as these can provide additional cues
- be aware that too many people in one conversation can make it confusing to follow.
