Dealing with Parkinson’s is not easy, and there are so many things that come as a challenge with it. Some grow very self-conscious, some tend to twitch around or move funny when they are excited or passionate about something. Occasionally few even have a hard time getting their buttons done or tying their shoes. In a few cases, some stutter when they are nervous.
There are all kinds of things that might make you feel socially awkward, which makes you nervous about going out, like going to the gym. If you stutter, stay quiet, or can’t talk well, asking for help would feel impossible for you. You are in a strange place, and you don’t want to be in a position of being in the locker room and not being able to get your button your shirt. So, all of those issues make it very difficult for people to interact on a day to day basis in general, let alone putting themselves in a situation that they haven’t been in for years.
People should have a comfortable place to go where they can look around, and everybody understands them. Hence, you must prefer going to the place there is a support group and others who are fighting Parkinson’s too. So, when you show up at yoga one day and realize that you forgot to pack your meds, everybody in the room would be on similar meds. They could share their meds with you. Everyone there has or going through the same phase at some point. They would understand and support you.
Going to a gym, going to swimming classes, or even yoga classes aren’t just about them getting better for themselves. It is better for the family as a whole. Often, family caregivers need to be willing to walk that road with them. Children should go with their parents, grandparents, and stay with them throughout the class or even participate with them, and it will encourage them through the process. Hold their hand, but make sure you’re respectful about it because this is already embarrassing for them. Your grandparents are already going through a long emotional battle along with the physical one. Now they’re going to have their grandchildren or children walk them through it. So, this is a big deal for them. They’re afraid and intimidated to step into it. So, make it as easy as possible, and you will witness their transition quite quickly once they get comfortable.
Being socially challenged is common in Parkinson’s. No matter how old someone is, being rendered physically challenged in some ways is disconcerting and disturbing. As family member and caregiver, it becomes your responsibility to do whatever it takes to get them off the couch, help them remain active, and invest their time in something they have always loved.