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How To Take Care Of A Parkinson's Patient With History Of Stroke?
Question: I care for an 82-year-old man with Parkinson's and history of stroke. His wife went out for the day and he wanted to stay in bed all day. Every half hour I asked if he was okay and if he needed anything. His answers were clear and lucid. After a while I told him he needed food and his meds, so he got up and got dressed. His wife called to see how he was doing, and I told her how he'd stayed in bed for a while. She became furious because that was unusual behavior for him so I should have called her and the ambulance. I told her I checked on him constantly and that staying in bed was his clear choice, not necessity from an illness. I see her point, but was I completely wrong?
Brief Answer:
Not wrong in present scenario.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I would like to help you.
A patient with stroke and Parkinson requires supervision and you were specifically present for that.
If you were provided clear instructions to respond to certain things, it should not be wrong. From your time with the patient, you must have observed him showing no dissociation with time or place and it indicates a good cognition. This must have provided you with confidence in him handling himself.
As he has a double disorder possibly increased movement due to Parkinson and stroke induced weakness, if he was not under your care at all times when he was getting ready, it would have been wrong.
For a caretaker, clear instructions are necessary. I don't think you are wrong in anyway but this should be an eye opener for both of you to discuss in future about the patients wholesome care and expectations from the caretaker including any emergency protocols regarding management.
Hope it helps.
Any further query, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Not wrong in present scenario.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I would like to help you.
A patient with stroke and Parkinson requires supervision and you were specifically present for that.
If you were provided clear instructions to respond to certain things, it should not be wrong. From your time with the patient, you must have observed him showing no dissociation with time or place and it indicates a good cognition. This must have provided you with confidence in him handling himself.
As he has a double disorder possibly increased movement due to Parkinson and stroke induced weakness, if he was not under your care at all times when he was getting ready, it would have been wrong.
For a caretaker, clear instructions are necessary. I don't think you are wrong in anyway but this should be an eye opener for both of you to discuss in future about the patients wholesome care and expectations from the caretaker including any emergency protocols regarding management.
Hope it helps.
Any further query, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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