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My father with Parkinson's becoming unresponsive. What to do?
I don't know if anyone can give me an answer for my question but here it goes. My dad is the one with parkinson's and I'm at his home trying to help when ever I can. He has really lost a lot of his mobilityand he tells me that he I'd dieing and I understand what he is going through...I hope....and he doesn't have much time left...and has told me that he does not want me to call for help when if it is his time. I have gone through 3 or 4 times that I get a yell from his wife because he become unresponsive. When I get to him...the only way that I can get him back is by shouting or helping him to his bed(he was in the shower last time)...is there anything else that I should or should not do at that point?
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This is a very difficult situation, and I will only share a few ideas. PD can be terribly debilitating, and it seems easier to have a more acute disease rather than one than eats away at you over time. When I wake up in the morning and it is a day where I am really stiff, usually I only am able to push through to start the day by thinking of things I enjoy doing or things to live for. Or perhaps something that I want to do that day. Or some future event like a wedding.
Another idea is to see if stronger medication would be possible. Anything that will give him hope may work. Sorry for your father.
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3 Reactions@rrv619 I am so glad you are there for your Dad and his wife - imagine what it would be like for her if she was alone when these episodes occur.
In Parkinsons terminology, these episodes are called "freezing" and can occur with increasing frequency as the disease progresses. You can read about it here:
https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/freezing
They include links to a couple of helpful podcasts.
What can you do?
Even if Dad is resistant to further treatment, make sure his doctor knows about the episodes, a simple medication adjustment may help.
Make sure the shower is safe - a good shower seat, soap within easy reach, grab bars for transferring, and a chair/stool/walker outside the shower to sit on.
Make sure his wife is safe - she can easily be injured trying to support him if he falls. Maybe help her learn safe ways to lower him to a chair or the floor.
Hang in there, helping a parent in failing health is one of the greatest services you can provide in life.
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6 ReactionsDoes he have an Advanced Medical Directive? This states what his wishes are for medical intervention. Does he have a signed Healthcare Power of Attorney? They are legally authorized to make decisions about their care, if they are unable. Is he able to do that now? You or his wife can also discuss it with his doctor in order to get a POLST form where he or his representative and doctor sign an order for no limited medical intervention. It’s bright pink in my state and is displayed near the bed or on the fridge. My Dad’s said no CPR or artificial hydration. Oxygen and fluids were ok. Each person or their representative decides for them what measures should be taken.
My dad used to make comments about dying soon, but then one day he was very serious and told me he was dying. He went on Hospice immediately and did die within several days.
I tried not to disagree with my dad. Just offer support and comfort care.
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6 ReactionsYou are doing what you can. Honor his wishes. He knows where he's headed. It's painful, but all you can do is help him be as comfortable as possible with no emotional pressures. Assist him in however you can, and however he wants. My heart goes out to you during this challenging time.
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3 ReactionsHello @rrv619
I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties your dad is having with Parkinson's. These unresponsive episodes can be very difficult for family members and caregivers to deal with. On Mayo Connect, we have a Parkinson's support group, and we discuss unresponsiveness. Here are links to two of those discussions:
--Unresponisve Episodes
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/parkinsons-unresponsive-episodes/
--Unresponsive with Eyes Open
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/unresponsive-with-eyes-open/
Have you or his wife discussed these episodes with his doctor? If not, this would be a good first step in determining if a change in medication or other treatment is available.
How long ago was your father diagnosed with PD?
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