8-10-2020

 

 

Caretaking

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Being a caretaker of any person with a physical, mental, or medical disability is very challenging.

I have been Robert’s caretaker for his Parkinson’s for 31 years, even before we knew it was Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s is an unstable disease so both the patient and caretaker must be constantly aware of fluctuation of symptoms and be able to respond with physical assistance and adjustments to the medication when necessary.

Every Parkinson’s patient is different and their symptoms present differently.  There is no one size fits all.  The patient and the caretaker must try to learn that individuals’ strengths and weaknesses so they can plan their activities accordingly.

Good health in general relies on diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration.  Parkinson’s patients must be super vigilant especially with exercise.

 

The patient and the caretaker need to be very strong self-advocates with doctors, therapists, and any other persons involved in their care.  If it doesn’t feel right, sound right or look right, speak up.  You know yourself better than anyone else and none of those people can help you if they don’t have all the information.

I would be happy to talk to anyone that would like to share or ask questions.

 

Pamela Alvarado, mom and caretaker for Robert Wyman.