Care Techniques
A Challenging Path to Walk Together
Aging together can make life's unexpected turns feel daunting for many of us. When your partner is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, these feelings become even more complex, at times overwhelming. You want to keep the same spark in their eyes; to maintain the comfort of laughing together or simply savoring a cup of tea in peace. Still, with every step, a new challenge arises. By supporting your partner’s daily movements with Parkinson’s, you accompany them not just physically, but emotionally as well. This article has been prepared as a guide for you on this very journey.
The Meaning of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Limitations
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition marked by symptoms such as slowness of movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness (rigidity), and tremors. It is known to affect over 10 million people worldwide (Parkinson's Foundation). As the disease progresses, even daily tasks and simple movements can become challenging. Motor functions impacted by Parkinson’s extend to the most basic aspects of life—walking, sitting, standing up, grasping objects.
This picture signals a changing world not just for the patient, but for the person closest to them—you. True support begins with understanding the disease mechanism, your own limits, and your partner’s real needs.
The Foundations of Support: Knowledge, Patience, Compassionate Togetherness
Knowledge: Having basic information about the stages, symptoms, and progression of Parkinson’s is essential.
Patience: When your partner’s movements slow down or a simple task takes longer than expected, patience benefits you both.
Love: The strongest force in facing challenges is your bond. On this journey, even your gentle touches, a smile, or your tone of voice counts as support.
Practical Ways to Support Your Partner’s Daily Movements
1. Creating Safe and Easy-to-Navigate Spaces at Home
Furniture Arrangement: Clearing narrow passageways and corner furniture can reduce falls. Make sure walkways are unobstructed and floors are non-slippery.
Assistive Devices: Grab bars, non-slip rugs, and well-lit rooms all provide hybrid support.
Bathroom and Toilet: Non-slip mats and wall-mounted grab bars in these areas increase independence.
2. Helping with Daily Movements: The “Only When Needed” Rule
Most people living with Parkinson’s want to do what they can on their own. Over-intervening without being asked for help can erode self-confidence. Here’s how you can support:
Let Them Do What They Can: Give them time to button a shirt or use utensils instead of rushing through the process.
Provide Anticipatory Assistance: Pick up an object off the floor quickly to prevent slipping, or offer a gentle helping hand when standing up—but never take full control away from them.
3. Maintaining Mobility Through Exercise
Scientific studies show that regular exercise improves mobility, balance, and quality of life for those with Parkinson’s (Litvan & Goldman, 2019). With a physical therapist’s guidance, the following exercises may be beneficial:
Walking and Balance Drills: Walks in open areas or simple movements on a balance board can offer safe exercise.
Stretching: Short, regular stretches are recommended to relieve muscle stiffness.
Rhythmic Activity: Simple dancing or stepping to music can boost movement and morale.
Try to schedule exercises when medication is providing its optimal effect.
4. Supporting Everyday Tasks: Dressing, Lying Down, and Sitting
Ease of Dressing: Choose clothing with Velcro or large buttons, shoes with zippers, and elastic-waist pants.
Getting In and Out of Bed: Let your partner sit at the edge of the bed for a few moments to regain composure, and offer gentle assistance.
Assisting with Sitting and Standing: When standing up from a chair is difficult, gently support them by holding their wrist with both hands.
Emotional Solidarity: Stronger Together
The movement limitations caused by Parkinson’s often carry a psychological burden, not just physical. Your partner may feel anxious over lost abilities or even experience moments of hopelessness. Emotional support is crucial at this juncture.
Approach them patiently and without judgment.
Take a few moments each day to talk about things they love. Focusing on other beautiful aspects of your life—not just the illness—can lift their mood.
Show yourself compassion as well. This journey affects you, too. Do not hesitate to share your feelings, and do not blame yourself.
“Even though it’s not as it used to be, we are still gazing at the same sky, and we can still walk side by side.”
The Importance of Communication and Teamwork in Parkinson’s
Healthy communication allows you to provide the right support while also strengthening the bond of love between you.
Patient Conversations: It may take longer to finish sentences; never rush or complete their words for them.
Listening: Try to understand their feelings and thoughts.
Deciding Together: Discuss measures about their mobility together. Feeling part of the process is invaluable.
Big Differences with Small Changes
Here is a table of some small but effective measures you can integrate into daily life:
Area of Support | Method |
|---|---|
Walking | Non-slip slippers, use of a cane or walker |
Gripping/Releasing | Kitchen utensils with thick handles, magnetic jewelry |
Bathing | Grab bar, shower chair with seat |
Eating | Non-slip plate mats, lightweight plastic cups |
Don’t Forget Yourself: The Caregiver’s Needs
In Parkinson’s care, the caregiver’s health and wellbeing must not be neglected. It is known that up to 40% of close caregivers experience emotional or physical burden during long-term care (Veronese et al., 2016). Therefore:
Make time to rest and breathe.
Share your feelings with someone you trust or a support group.
If you need professional help, don’t postpone it.
Final Thoughts: Step by Step, with Love
Living with Parkinson’s and coping with losses is never easy. Yet under the same stars, you are still walking together, even if with different steps. Sometimes it’s a hand, a glance, shared silence... These mean more than anything. Remember, even if your partner starts to forget what’s happening, the compassion you show will never be forgotten. You are not alone on this journey; take good care of both your own and your partner’s spirit.
Resources
Litvan, I., & Goldman, J. G. (2019). Exercise in Parkinson's Disease: Neuroprotection and Rehabilitation. Annals of Neurology.
Veronese, N., et al. (2016). Caregiver Burden in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Nursing Science.
Parkinson's Foundation. Parkinson’s Disease Statistics. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics
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