Dad with Parkinson's how can I help mum

[clintwestwood]

Hi. Not sure where to post this so I hope it's in right place. My dad has Parkinson's and is also suffering dementia as a result. He is also extremely infirm and can hardly walk. He's being cared for by my mum who is also a pensioner. I'm very worried this all taking a toll on her and I want to know how I can help. I try to visit once a week but I work full time and live on other side of town so it's difficult. Should I try to visit more?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[moomoomar]

Visit more if you can, I'm sure your mum would appreciate any help. Do they get any help at all? Can you take care of your dad so your mum can pop out to do abit of shopping or see her friends?

My DFIL had Parkinson's and it was an awful time for him. I don't know if you know a lot about Parkinson's but we were very unfortunate not to have known what it was actually doing to him. Very near the end my Dh was given a very good book about it and I just wish we had known so we could have helped more.

You sound like a lovely caring daughter.xx

[clintwestwood]

I'll try to do that.
Thanks very much for taking the time to respond and your advice.

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

Hi Clint.

I have no practical advise apart from what moom said.

I just wanted to reply to your post too.

My mum has Parkinsons, it is such a horrid illness and is so hard to see a parent become ill.

I am sure your mum will appreciate you just being there x

[tleaf]

So sorry to hear of your father's illness and the pressure on you and your mother. Years ago we were in a similar position and we had advice and some support from our local Parkinsons Society. Social Services also arranged assessments of my father's needs and my mother's needs as his carer. Your local Carer's Assoc may have relevant info e.g. in our area they help with sitters to allow the carer time out,shopping and transport to hospital and appointments. Welfare Rights/Citizens Advice/Age UK can help the claim for Attendance Allowance and wiill check if any other benefits are due. Blue Badge helps to park nearer to venues. Do be prepared to allow your father to go into respite care and possibly residential care to prevent your mother bcoming overwhelmed. Best wishes.