For a person with a chronic, debilitating disease, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, many
aspects of daily life become affected. However, with careful planning and
activity modification, the caregiver can help make these activities become much
less stressful and intrusive for the patient.
The following suggestions offer the caregiver and his or her loved one a
general approach to overcoming difficulties with daily activities.
Plan periods of rest
Be sure to plan for plenty of rest. The person being cared for may need to
plan at least one rest period every day. If he or she has swelling in the feet
or ankles, elevate his or her legs when resting or sitting for prolonged
periods. Encourage the person you are caring for to avoid working long days and
to rest in between recreation and leisure activities.
Conserve energy
Using less energy with daily tasks helps leave more energy to do more
activities during the day. This may involve cutting down on some activities or
using energy-saving devices or techniques. If your loved one complains that
daily self care or home care activities are too tiring, contact his or her
doctor.
Here are some energy-conserving tips:
- Simplify tasks and set realistic goals. Explain to your loved one that
things don’t have to be done the same way he or she has always done them.
- When planning activities (chores, exercise, and recreation), do so ahead of
time and space them throughout the day. Do not schedule too many things to
do in one day.
- If needed, encourage your loved one to rest before and after activities.
- Do not plan activities right after a meal. There should 20 to 30 minute
rest periods after each meal.
- Encourage your loved one to ask for help. If necessary, divide tasks among
family and friends.
- Encourage your loved one to get a good night’s sleep and elevate his or
her head when sleeping. Remind him or her to be careful not to nap too much
during the day. This might affect his or her ability to sleep at night.
- If your loved one’s doctor says it’s okay, he or she may climb steps.
Try to arrange activities so your loved one does not have to climb up and
down stairs many times during the day.
- Encourage your loved one to avoid extreme physical activity such as
pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects (more than 10 pounds) that require
straining.