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My Mom takes care of my Dad who has Parkinson's. She fell last week and now needs rehab for a couple of weeks. He might be able to get a respite bed in the facility where she will get rehab from this fall, but not sure that can work out. We are completely new to this since she has never been in hospital (she's 81) and he has been pretty healthy, although complaining, since diagnosed with Parkinson's 9 years ago. Any advice welcome.

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Yikes! Talk to the social worker at the facility about the respite bed, but also about placing them both long term.
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Did your mom break anything in her fall? Any prognosis on what her mobility will look like after rehab? If she's going to need a walker, it's going to be awfully hard for her to take care of your dad.

If the rehab has an assisted living facility attached, that might be a good next step in their care. Do you have poa for both of them? That's something you want to get set up.
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Time to find a place permanent for your dad. Often caregivers pass away before the one that is receiving the care, often as a result of stress that causes any number of emergencies.

Like baba said, make sure you get the POA's in place, and DNR's. See an elder law attorney to prepare all necessary documents. You have been shover from the frying pan into the fire. So, you need to do what you can in order to be prepared for anything that may still be coming.
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It's not that hard to take care of a Parkinson's patient, unless they are in the final stage. First and foremost keep your Dad's medicine schedule. I can't stress enough how important this is. The carbidopa needs to be in his system to move. Next, listen to what your dad says. He knows best what he needs. You must learn patience. A Parkinson's patient moves very slow, you must adjust your tempo. Encourage him to do as much for himself that he can.

Parkinson's patients fall. Don't panic, and call 911. Don't rush to get him up. Let him catch his breath. First check for stroke, can he smile both corners up, shrug shoulders, , no garbling words. If any of these signs get an aspirin in him, call 911. next check if anything is broken. Just ask him, your dad will know if he is hurt. Keep his walker close. Roll him on his back. Bend the knees, get heels as close to the butt, as possible. Swing him away from any wall or furniture. Heels close to butt, a two part move. First get his chest as close to the bent knees as possible, put your toes on his toes. Second, then lift up. You bend your knees slightly, and let him do all the work of lifting. Don't yank, don't jerk him. It would be a good idea to fall proof the house. Your Mom probable did this, no rugs, handbars in bathroom and shower, handles to help him get in and out of bed, etc, google it.

Parkinson's patients center of gravity is thrown off, to get out of a car or sofa, you need to adjust it . Gently pull his weight forward, so he has leverage to get up. I highly recommend you buy "Move It" by Kevin lockette. it explains how to handle freezing, and getting in and out of the car.

If you need me, give a hug, and I will try to answer any question you have. I have taken care of my stage 4 Dad for 3 years. Good luck
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