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How to Care for A Loved One With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that initially causes tremor in one hand, stiffness or slowing of movement. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking¹. Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but you can take steps to make the process easier for you and your loved one².

Educate yourself

One of the first steps in caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease is to educate yourself about the condition. This includes learning about the symptoms, progression, and treatment options available. You can start by researching information from reputable sources such as the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association³. Attending doctors appointments with your loved one can also help you learn more about their specific condition and treatment plan.

Join a support group

Joining a support group for caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease can provide you with emotional support and practical advice from others who are going through similar experiences. These groups can provide a safe space to share your experiences, learn from others, and find comfort in knowing you are not alone.

Adapt your home

Making simple changes to your home can help make it safer and more comfortable for your loved one with Parkinson’s disease. This can include installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs, and ensuring the home is well-lit. You may also want to consider rearranging furniture to create clear pathways for your loved one to move around more easily.

Help with medications and appointments

Helping your loved one manage their medications and keep track of appointments can be an essential part of their care. This can include reminding them to take their medications on time, keeping a calendar of appointments, and accompanying them to doctor’s visits.

Find time for yourself

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be emotionally and physically demanding. It’s important to take care of yourself too. This can include taking breaks from caregiving duties, finding time for hobbies or activities you enjoy, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s requires patience, understanding, and support. By taking the time to understand the process, you can provide the best possible care for your loved one while also taking care of your own well-being.

Parkinson’s Disease resources for caregivers

For additional caregiver resources and information on Parkinson’s disease treatment, you can browse our library of resources to find the answers you need. If you want to learn more about treatment options, you can take a quick assessment for your loved one to see if Boston Scientific's Deep Brain Stimulation therapy may be right for them.

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References:

1. Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease

2. The Parkinson's Caregiver: 7 Ways to Help Your Loved One. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/the-parkinsons-caregiver-7-ways-to-help-your-loved-one

3.  For Care Partners | Parkinson's Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/carepartners

Indication for Use: The Boston Scientific Vercise™ PC, Vercise Gevia™, Vercise Genus™ Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are indicated for use in:
-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
-Bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
-Unilateral thalamic stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is indicated for the suppression of tremor in the upper extremity. The system is intended for use in patients who are diagnosed with essential tremor or parkinsonian tremor not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability. 
-Bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the suppression of disabling upper extremity tremor in adult essential tremor patients whose tremor is not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

The Boston Scientific Vercise Deep Brain Stimulation System is indicated for use in:
-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.

Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems are not recommended for patients who will be exposed to the following procedures: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).  The safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Boston Scientific DBS System has not been established.  Patients implanted with Boston Scientific DBS Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with the Vercise Gevia or Vercise Genus or Vercise Genus Mixed System with M8 Adapter or Vercise DBS Lead-Only System (before Stimulator is implanted) with ImageReady MRI Technology are Full Body MR Conditional only when exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in ImageReady MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific DBS Systems.  Boston Scientific DBS Systems are not recommended for patients who are unable to operate the system or are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation.

Warnings: Unauthorized modification to the medical devices is prohibited.  You should not be exposed to high stimulation levels.  High level of stimulation may damage brain tissue.  Patients implanted with a Boston Scientific DBS System may be at risk for intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain) during DBS lead placement.  Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators, security screeners or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause unpredictable changes in stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping.  If you notice new onset or worsening depression, changes in mood or behavior or impulse control, or have thoughts of suicide contact your physician or emergency services immediately.  Chemical burns may result if the Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced.  The Boston Scientific DBS Systems may interfere with the operation of implanted stimulation devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators, or medication delivery pumps. Patients should operate motorized vehicles or potentially dangerous machinery with caution.  It is unknown if the device may hurt an unborn baby. Your doctor may be able to provide additional information on the Boston Scientific DBS Systems.  For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, see DBSandME.com or call 833-DBS-INFO or 833-327-4636.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.