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Parkinson’s disease takes both an emotional and physical toll, and watching a friend deal with the side effects is difficult. The volunteers at Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s are committed to helping people with Parkinson’s maintain a high quality of life. Here, they share what you can do to help a friend. Emotional support and daily assistance do wonders no matter the extent of their condition.

3 Ways to Help a Friend With Parkinson’s

1. Take Their Mind Off of It

The side effects of Parkinson’s disease, especially in advanced stages, can be a constant thought for the person. This can lead to depression and isolation. Find ways to take their mind off of it. Simply talking about something else helps. You can also do some of their favorite activities, such as reading, playing games, or going for a walk. Be patient, as the symptoms can make it difficult for them to speak or move at a fast pace.

2. Rearrange Their Home

parkinsons-disease-connecticut-advocates-for-parkinsonsMobility-related issues can keep your friend homebound on most days. Make sure it’s both a comfortable and safe environment for them. Work together on rearranging furniture, removing obstructions, and installing any mobility equipment to help them get around. Let them speak up about their wants, as they should feel comfortable with the new setup. Something simple like adding pull cords to drawer and door handles makes a significant difference. Research different ways to make basic tasks easier.

3. Educate Yourself

You should also understand the intricacies of Parkinson’s. It’s one of the most complex neurodegenerative conditions. By learning how it affects your friend’s mind and body, you’ll come up with more helpful and creative ways to make their life easier. There are many resources available online, and, if possible, try to speak with their specialist about other educational materials.

By making a few small changes, you will significantly improve your friend’s quality of life—no matter how advanced their Parkinson’s disease is. For additional resources, turn to Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s (CAP) for support. CAP provides a wide variety of information that can help the journey be a bit easier for all involved. CAP is focused on outreach, education, and clinical trials. Call (860) 266-6040 to speak with a volunteer and visit their website and Facebook to explore their services.

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