How Can I Manage Parkinson’ s Day-to-Day?
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Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are the things we do every day: brushing our teeth, showering, getting dressed, going to the bathroom and moving from place to place. People with Parkinson’ s may have trouble with some of these tasks, especially as the disease increasingly impacts movement over time.
Instrumental activities of daily living, or iADLs, are more complex tasks that we might not do every day but that allow us to care for ourselves and live on our own: scheduling appointments, grocery shopping, managing finances, keeping track of mail and driving or using transportation. These tasks can become more challenging as Parkinson’ s progresses, especially if memory or thinking changes arise.
When Parkinson’ s makes its way into the day-to-day, work with your loved one to identify any changes and figure out what’ s behind it. Are they having trouble tying a tie, keeping groceries stocked or getting to and from appointments? Then, figure out what’ s behind the change. What’ s causing the trouble? Is hand stiffness making buttons a challenge? Is a lack of motivation or apathy making it impossible to stay on top of household tasks?
Whenever you notice a change, talk with your loved one’ s doctor. They’ ll help you make a plan to address these changes and the challenges they present. That plan could include:
+ Medication changes to better control motor or non-motor symptoms.
+ Physical therapy for walking and balance problems, freezing or falls.
+ Occupational therapy for exercises and tools to make daily activities easier.
+ A home safety evaluation to make the house easier to navigate.
+ In-home caregiving for specific tasks, such as showering, dressing or light cleaning.
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