19 Oct Advice to Help Manage Parkinson’s Disease
Managing Parkinsons Disease is a tricky thing to do because it’s a condition that affects movement, mood and behaviour. Because it is a progressive condition it does interfere with the daily activities of life. The good news is people can be supported with this to remain independent in their own home.
Read on to find out about managing Parkinson’s Disease and how homecare supports people to remain independent at home.
Impacts of Parkinson’s
As stage one is mild symptoms involving movement: tremors, rigidity, slowness in the limbs or on one side of the body i it doesn’t tend to interrupt the person too much. By Stage two movement is affected on both sides and things become more difficult to manage as balance becomes an issue. This must be closely monitored because as things progress to stage three the person will become a falls risk.
In stage four a person will need assistance with daily activities of living – the risk of falling is great although they should be still able to stand. By stage 5 walking and standing becomes so problematic people usually use a wheelchair to move around and are unable to live alone.
Help Manage Parkinson’s Disease
1. See a Specialist
Regular appointments with your specialist to monitor your condition and to develop a care plan of treatments and help you need now and what you’re likely to need in the future.
2. Avail of Supportive Therapies
Physiotherapy can make living with Parkinson’s disease easier and help you manage your symptoms on a day-to-day basis. It can help relieve muscle stiffness and joint pain through movement (manipulation) and exercise.
An Occupational Therapist can advise you on solutions to make your home safe and properly set up for you:
- equipment like a walking frame or personal alarm
- changes to your home such as a walk-in shower
- assistive cutlery and tips for eating.
People with Parkinson’s often have problems with speech or swallowing difficulties. A Speech & Language Therapist can give exercises to help with this & advise on assistive devices.
For some people, dietary changes can help manage Parkinson’s Disease. Ask for a referral to a dietician for advice on relieving constipation, avoiding weight-loss and alleviating problems with low blood pressure.
3. Minimise Stress and Anxiety
Movement problems can be increased if a person is anxious or stressed. Meditation and relaxation techniques such as controlled breathing can help if you are having difficulties such as when getting dressed. Daycare centres or lunch clubs also provide both diversion and a supportive environment which help with the quality of life.
HomeCare Can Help
Being looked after in a safe home surrounding, supported by experienced carers can help people diagnosed with the disease maintain a comfortable, fulfilling quality of life. Our carers fully understand the challenges faced when caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s and have experience including their own family members with this disease.
As some symptoms of Parkinson’s such as anxiety reduce with routine, we ensure continuity of care and introduce the support team of carers that are will be involved as care needs evolve with the progression of this disease.
Click here to Parkinson’s Ireland for support information on Parkinson’s Disease.