Top 5 Emotional Impacts of Parkinson’s Disease

Seniors experience a range of emotions after developing Parkinson’s disease, some good and some bad. They need to address these emotions to boost their quality of life. Here are some of the top emotional effects Parkinson’s has on seniors. 

1. Denial

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s is often a shock to seniors and their families. Most symptoms are mild, while others are nonexistent. In these instances, some seniors ignore the diagnosis and go on with life as usual, refusing to take medications. 

Denial is an unhealthy reaction that could cause Parkinson’s to worsen. However, you can encourage your senior loved one to learn as much about the condition as possible to gain knowledge and use it as power. When seniors feel like they’re in control, they can adapt to changes with more confidence. 

Your loved one may get a great deal of benefit from a professional caregiver, who can provide information and emotional support. Families looking for top-rated in-Home Care Frederick can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

2. Frustration

Maintaining balance can be challenging for older adults with Parkinson’s, increasing the risk of bumping into objects such as chairs, boxes, and tables. The ability to focus decreases, making it difficult to move around, which can be frustrating. 

Another issue is failing to remember how to do basic tasks or regular hobbies they’ve enjoyed in the past. The despair and frustration they experience can lead to meltdowns. Keep your loved one physically and mentally active to enhance his or her balance and memory. 

3. Sadness

One of the top causes of anxiety is the sadness seniors feel when they lose many of their motor functions due to Parkinson’s disease. Sadness causes them to lose interest in things they used to enjoy, and it can lead to isolation. To reduce anxiety and sadness, customize your loved one’s activities based on his or her current abilities. Monitor your loved one closely, making sure his or her daily care needs are being met. 

For many seniors in Frederick, MD, in-home care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.

4. Delusions

Over time, confusion could develop into behavioral disturbances, such as delusions. For instance, your loved one may believe his or her spouse is cheating or feel like you’re mistreating him or her even though these irrational thoughts are untrue. 

When delusional beliefs aren’t controlled, your loved one’s behavior could become aggressive and pose a safety risk. To manage these delusional feelings, make sure your loved one is taking his or her medication as prescribed, and consider enrolling him or her in a Parkinson’s support group. 

5. Fear

Developing Parkinson’s can lead to perceived threats, both real and imagined, among older adults. They may assume the worst in certain situations or experience feelings of hopelessness as the disease progresses. 

It’s common for older adults to fear not being able to talk or worry about falling in public. Seniors who don’t manage these fears may lose the courage to continue fighting. It’s crucial for seniors to maintain positive attitudes even as days become challenging. Addressing these fears can help your loved one take control and slow the progression of the disease. 

Parkinson’s disease can be particularly challenging, and both seniors and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior care. Frederick families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (301) 786-5045 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.