Living with Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging, especially for elderly individuals who live alone in Riverside County. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that can make it difficult to do daily basic tasks and can impact safety. If your loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s, it may be time to consider help. While they may eventually need to move into a care facility a the disease progresses, during the early stages, in-home care may be sufficient. Reliant Home Care Services is here to help those with Parkinson’s and other challenges remain happy and healthy in their own homes.
Let’s take a look at what Parkinson’s is, why it can be dangerous, and how in-home care can help you and your family.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is such a difficult disorder to live with because it affects the nervous system. This impacts how a person walks, grasps items, and more. Parkinson’s does this by affecting the body’s production of dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a part in movement. Specifically, the less dopamine produced, the shakier and jerkier movements will be.
The most common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease is tremors or shaking. Your loved one’s fingers, hands, or entire arms may often shake or jerk uncontrollably. While tremors in the hands and fingers are the most common, tremors can also occur in the legs, jaw, and even the face.
On the other hand, some muscles may become very rigid, making it hard for the person to move those parts of their body. Bradykinesia, or the difficulty in starting a movement, is another symptom. Many people with Parkinson’s also have trouble coordinating movements and keeping their balance, creating a serious risk of falling.
In its early stages, symptoms may be difficult to notice. However, as the disease progresses, they will become worse. Those in later stages of Parkinson’s may find it difficult to speak clearly, have trouble sleeping, and will likely begin to show signs of cognitive decline.
The Role of Home Care in Managing Parkinson’s Disease
Working with an in-home care service can significantly improve your loved one’s quality of life and safety. While you and your family may do your best to help your loved one, you are likely to have other demands on your time, including your job and your own family. The home care experts here at Reliant understand Parkinson’s Disease and how it affects the elderly. We know how to provide your loved one with the help they need while also allowing them to remain independent. Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Medication reminders – we ensure that your loved one takes their medications at the correct times and in the right doses.
- Daily living assistance – whether it’s getting up and walking or dressing and bathing, we assist your loved one with any and all daily activities.
- Meal prep and nutrition – we will assist your loved one with planning and preparing meals that meet their nutritional requirements and follow any doctor-recommended diet.
- Exercise and physical therapy – Our professionals can help your loved one with exercising, including any physical therapy exercises assigned by their care team.
- Respite care – Our respite care gives family caregivers in Riverside County a chance to handle their own errands or simply take a break to recharge.
Reliant’s professional caregivers will work closely with you, your loved one, and their healthcare team to ensure that they receive the best care. Whether you need a caregiver every day or the occasional respite care break, we’re here for you.
Tips for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease
Living with Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging. Your loved one will likely have to change some of their daily habits in order to remain safe in their home. They may eventually have to give up some hobbies and, as hard as it may be for them, they will also likely have to accept that they need some help around the house. Here are a few tips for living with Parkinson’s while still enjoying life:
- Exercise. Staying in good physical shape will help your loved one remain mobile, improve their flexibility, and make it easier for them to keep their balance.
- Eat healthy. A diet that focuses on lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is ideal for those with Parkinson’s. Your loved one also needs to remain hydrated.
- Reduce stress. Being stressed can make Parkinson’s symptoms seem worse than they are. It can also lead to depression. Praticing medication, engaging in hobbies, and continuing to be social can help with stress reduction.
- Communicate. It can be difficult to know what your loved one needs if they aren’t communicating with you or their doctors. Ask your loved one how they are, discuss their symptoms, and talk to them about what they want. Don’t make assumptions.
Reliant’s care team can assist your loved one in all of these areas as needed.
Reliant Home Care Services: Your Partner in Parkinson’s Care
Our team understands how important it is that those with Parkinson’s Disease have the care they need. Our caregivers in Murrieta, Temecula, and Menifee are dedicated to providing personalized care for every individual we work with. These custom care plans ensure that your loved one received the exact type of care they need in the way they need it while also incorporating their personal preferences.
For those with Parkinson’s, we typically begin care by focusing on safety. Our care coordinator will do a safety evaluation of your loved one’s home, making a list of every potential trip hazard and other risks. With this list, you’ll be able to make modifications to mitigate falls. Often, these are fairly small changes, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom or removing rugs. Even larger changes, such as adding extra lights or installing a ramp or chair lift, often aren’t major changes.
Following this, we will work with you, your loved one, and your loved one’s doctors to create a daily care plan. This plan will include medication management, assistance with daily living activities as needed, and any special care your loved one needs.
Reliant is Here to Help Your Loved One
Living with Parkinson’s isn’t easy – no one is going to pretend that it isn’t. However, it doesn’t have to mean that your loved one has to move into a care facility and abandon all of their hobbies and activities. Instead, with the right support and care, they can live a long, happy life in the home they love.
Here at Reliant Home Care Services, our caregivers are well-versed in how to assist those with Parkinson’s. Whether your loved one is in the early stages or is dealing with multiple symptoms, we can help. Our goal is to give every single patient the ability to remain as independent as possible while also being safe. Our customized care plans address each individual’s unique needs while incorporating their preferences.
To learn more about what Reliant offers, reach out to us today. Remember, you aren’t alone. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease or the unexpected difficulties that come with aging, Reliant is here to help.