Introduction to Parkinson's disease care service
Parkinson's disease is a life-altering neurological condition that affects motor skills, speech, and other functions. Onset is more common in people over 50, but it can occur in younger adults as well if it runs in the family.
Living with Parkinson's disease will drain you mentally, physically, and emotionally. It slowly affects a part of the brain, leading to hard-to-control symptoms like tremors, slow movement, memory problems, loss of smell, and stiff muscles.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease has four major symptoms:
- Hand, arm, leg, jaw, or head tremor
- Muscle stiffness happens when the muscle stays in a contracted state for a long time.
- Slowness of movement
- Impaired balance and coordination, which can occasionally lead to falls
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Depression and other emotional alterations
- Swallowing, chewing, and speaking difficulties
- Urinary or constipation issues
- Skin issues
Individuals' Parkinson's symptoms and progression rates vary. Parkinson's disease patients usually develop a Parkinsonian gait, which involves a propensity to lean forward, take tiny, fast steps, and reduce swinging their arms. They may also have trouble initiating and maintaining movement.
Symptoms typically begin on one side of the body, or even in one limb on one side of the body. As the disease progresses, eventually both sides are affected. However, the symptoms may be more intense on one side than the other.
Many people with Parkinson's disease report that they had sleep problems, constipation, loss of smell, and restless legs prior to experiencing stiffness and tremor. While some of these symptoms may be normal with ageing, consult your doctor if they worsen or begin to interfere with daily living.
How does Nurses Group Homecare care for patients with Parkinson's disease?
Nurses Group Homecare provides Parkinson's carers who have specialised knowledge in dealing with people who are living with the disease. We understand that as Parkinson's disease progresses, the care provided for the person has to be increased. We recognise this and design a care plan that can accommodate the changing needs of the individual at each stage. We also offer Palliative care at the final stage of Parkinson's disease to provide relief from the symptoms, stress, and pain of the condition.
What is included in Nurses Group Homecare's Parkinson's Care?
Parkinson's disease does not have a remedy, but treatment, domiciliary care, and support can help manage symptoms. For example, dopamine-boosting medications, physiotherapy, and speech therapy. Regular exercise, as well as good nutrition and hydration, can also help.
Nurses Group Homecare creates individualised homecare care plans for each client. They are as follows:
- Providing assistance with complex medication regimens.
- Carers with Parkinson's disease care experience.
- From short regular visits to longer visits, night care, respite, or a full-time live-in carer are all options.
- Emotional support, as well as promoting independence and restoring confidence.
- Fall prevention and management: Working with you and your OT to ensure your environment is working with you, not against you.
- Help with maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated.
- Support for people with limited mobility—your independence is essential.
- Familiarity: Parkinson's symptoms are less heightened in familiar and comfortable surroundings, such as at home.
- Assist with household chores.
- Assist with muscle strengthening and mobility exercises.
- Reading or talking provides cognitive stimulation.
We're here seven days a week to assist you with your homecare needs and help you choose the best option.
When should I consider advanced Parkinson's care stages?
You or a loved one may not experience advanced Parkinson's disease symptoms during the movement. However, it is always a good idea to read about the advanced stages and to plan for the future. This will allow you to consider the future and make plans for what you would like to happen in the event that you become ill. By discussing your desires with your family and putting them in writing, they will be better equipped to make decisions regarding your palliative care.
Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?
It is rare for Parkinson's disease to be passed down from parents to children. Most cases of Parkinson's disease aren't hereditary, but people who get it early are more likely to have inherited it. Having a family history of Parkinson's disease may raise your chances of developing it. This suggests that having a Parkinson's parent or sibling increases the risk marginally.
Is Parkinson's disease preventable?
It is not possible to prevent Parkinson's disease, but some actions may reduce the risk of developing it, such as monitoring for side effects such as tremors when using medication. Exercise helps to slow down the progression if the disease has already developed and avoid toxin exposure and head injuries.