Sometimes, living with Parkinson’s disease can be a really hard thing to do. This progressive nervous system disorder that impacts the person’s movement, eventually, the patient starts to shake, the body becomes stiff, and there is a problem with balance.
However, if you have proper support and utilize the right strategies, it is definitely possible for you to manage Parkinson’s disease at home and lead a decent life.
We specialize in senior home health care, and that’s why these tips are straight from our caregivers to provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to manage Parkinson’s disease. So join us along.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
This neurodegenerative disorder leads to the death of neurons that produce dopamine in the brain. But dopamine is very important for the human body as it regulates movement and the coordination of different body parts. The etiology of the condition is still a mystery; however, it is assumed that genes and the environment may be factors.
Do you know what are the 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Here it is:
- Tremors
- Bradykinesia
- Rigidity
- Postural instability
- Gait disturbances
- Micrographia
- Masked face
- Speech changes
- Dystonia
- Akinesia
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Constipation
- Urinary problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Sialorrhea
- Dysphagia
- Masked seborrhea
- Olfactory dysfunction
- Excessive sweating
- Impulse control disorders
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sensory symptoms
- Hypophonia
- Dysarthria
- Hypomimia
- Swallowing difficulties
- Mood swings
- Difficulty turning in bed
- Bladder issues
- Freezing of gait
Early detection of these symptoms can lead to successful treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and also avoid further complications as the disease continues to progress in various Parkinson’s disease stages.
How to Manage Parkinson’s Disease at Home
Parkinson’s affects not only the body but also your daily routines, energy, and even mental health. However, we have already discussed all the symptoms; now you are one step ahead in managing Parkinson’s Disease and improving overall well-being through the details below:
1. Take Medications
In case you are looking after your parent, grandparent, or any elderly person with Parkinson’s disease, the least you could do would be to make sure that the medication is always administered. These drugs implement or simulate dopamine, which facilitates movement and alleviates the symptoms.
This is the way you can manage Parkinson’s Disease at home for your family member:
- You can utilise pill organisers or set alarms, or reminders to help you stay on track.
- Bring them to the neurologist on a regular basis so that the doctor can adjust their dosage as needed.
2. Encourage Exercise
Consistent physical activity can significantly improve the quality of life of anyone. Your family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease has no other cases. Light workouts, such as stretching, taking a short walk, or even doing some light strength exercises, will alleviate the stiffness that most of them complain about.
However, the most important thing you can do to manage Parkinson’s disease will still be making small daily routines. You have to push them to stability and movement, which in turn gives them the privilege of staying independent and engaged for a longer period of time.
3. Support Nutrition
The foods you have within your meals can play an important role in caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease. This matters so much that we have a section here in the blog. So, tips to manage Parkinson’s disease at home include:
- Encourage the patient to eat high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help avoid constipation.
- Encourage the patient to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Add foods high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and nuts;
- If they are on meds that include protein, you might want to encourage dividing protein intake throughout the day, restricting it at times to “help absorption”.
4. Mental Care
Together, you can create some simple self-care habits that can leave your elder feeling lighter and calmer. Consider encouraging them to try deep breathing techniques, or very brief meditation exercises; or if they would prefer, take a brisk walk outside…or journaling…or simply a nice conversation with family that they are close with. These are all things we have observed that lead to an overall better mood.
Staying socially connected through this journey is especially important to keeping away loneliness and realizing that they are not going through the journey individually.
- Offer Emotional Care : Please help your loved one to manage Parkinson’s Disease and live independently and confidently at home by:
- Speech Therapy : To help them improve daily interactions and mealtimes, you must keep encouraging them to speak clearly, swallow safely, and communicate.
- Occupational Therapy : These activities and drills, along with the strategy, motivate them to accomplish the daily tasks that they usually do without any difficulty. In particular, the use of certain products such as easy-to-hold utensils or button aids is highly effective.
- Home Modifications : Sometimes, small changes to your home, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, using non-slip mats, and making sure the lighting is good, can help manage Parkinson’s Disease. This allows your relative to be sure about the change.
Basically, by doing this important work for the one you love with Parkinson’s, you make a profound difference in their retention of normal life, safety, and emotional well-being.
5. Hire a Home Health Aid
You have been the prime helper for your family member and supported him every day. However, there are times in Parkinson’s when even the simplest of tasks, i.e., getting out of bed, taking a walk, or remembering medications, become so hard that a home health aid can be the solution for both you and your loved one to get the necessary relief.
Together with a suitable caregiver, you can manage Parkinson’s Disease:
- Maintain the Daily Routines without Problems: They can do the physical part of the daily routine for your loved one, such as getting dressed, moving around, etc. And also lighten up the period with some exercises without any concern about the fall of person.
- Keep The Medications on Track At All Times: Feeling worried about forgetting a dose of medication is the last thing you need. A caregiver can be the one who reminds the time, prepares pills for your loved one, and also makes sure the treatment plan is strictly followed that way.
- Provide Companionship and Comfort: The nature of Parkinson’s is such that it could lead to isolation. The presence of a person for the sake of talking, laughing, or even just sitting alongside relaxes the anxiety not only of your loved one but also of yourself.
At New Star Home Health Care, the caregivers we have are not only skilled, but they also know the emotional struggles of Parkinson’s. The only thing they intend is to assist your loved one in the attainment of independence and safety. All with the assurance that you are not the only one carrying the burden to manage Parkinson’s Disease.
Conclusion
Proper home-based care for Parkinson’s is not easy, but it is doable. A good combination of therapy, medication, emotional support, and a healthy lifestyle is what defines efficient care. The presence of a professional home health service makes this journey easier, safer, and more cheerful.
You can manage Parkinson’s Disease with confidence, keep your independence, and improve your quality if you have the right tools and the necessary support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It Possible to Manage Parkinson’s Disease at Home Effectively?
Definitely. Most of the patients who follow a solid routine, medication management, exercise, and get support can manage the disease efficiently at home.
2. Is It Necessary to Hire A Home Health Aid for Parkinson’s Care?
Not in all cases, but professional support in general makes the patient feel secure, medication easier to be done regularly, and emotional support can improve one’s overall quality of life.
3. Are Home Modifications Important for Parkinson’s Patients?
Yes, for sure. The use of adaptive equipment and safe home design can help in avoiding accidents, support patients’ independence, and make the management of daily routines easier.
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