When someone has Parkinson’s disease, there usually comes a time when in-home care becomes necessary. As movement becomes more difficult, everyday activities may seem impossible without the help of a caregiver.
Providing help for seniors with Parkinson’s disease can be a daily challenge, and most of the responsibilities fall not on a physician, but on the family members providing the care, often with the assistance of a caretaker trained in home care, like those at A-Abiding Care.
There are many issues to watch out for when caring for a senior with Parkinson’s disease, but there are five aspects of day-to-day life issues that are especially important:
- Nutrition: A well-balanced diet may help reduce cell loss in a person with Parkinson’s. Consuming antioxidants, like those found in blueberries, broccoli, spinach, green tea, beans, and certain nuts, may also help fight oxidative stress.
- Chewing/Swallowing: People with Parkinson’s often have difficulty chewing and swallowing food and drink. Anyone caring for a person with Parkinson’s should learn the Heimlich maneuver, in case the person begins to choke.
- Fall Prevention: Parkinson’s can affect walking and balance, so it is important to reduce the risk of falling by modifying the home environment where necessary. This may include installing customized toilet seats and grab bars where appropriate, and removing obstructions throughout the home such as doorsills and throw rugs.
- Anxiety and Depression: Combating depression and anxiety is a large part of the Parkinson’s battle. Watch your loved one closely for signs, and have him or her assessed by a physician or nurse practitioner as soon as possible.
- Medications: Medications for Parkinson’s can have multiple side effects and can affect a person in different ways. Some medications may cause hallucinations or nightmares, for example. Be sure your loved one’s physician tells you about all the expected side effects of medications so you know what to expect. You can also speak to the dispensing pharmacist, who should have all the medicines on record, to ensure that none will interact badly with any other.
At A-Abiding Care, we understand the needs of those with Parkinson’s and are here to help. Our home care for seniors can help take away some of the concerns about your loved one’s safety. Our specialized and assistance services can assist your loved one at home, in the hospital, or in an assisted living, nursing or retirement home in the Parkridge, Illinois area.
Call us at 847-698-1400, or email us to learn more.
Our professional caregivers offer a wide variety of home care services to meet your loved one’s unique and individual needs, including:
In-Home Care
Hospital-to-Home Transitional Care
Specialized Senior Home Care
Assistance Services
A-Abiding Care, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Joyce Kernan – a registered nurse and pioneer in the field of home care – on the principles of showing clients kindness and respect while providing loving, compassionate care for seniors at home. Today, Joyce’s family, along with our loyal staff, continue her legacy and mission; to provide quality home care for seniors in the Chicago area and provide meaningful employment for many caregivers, nurses and administrative staff.
I feel honored to care for our community members and to be a part of their lives in a meaningful, lasting way.
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