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All Posts in Category: General

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Late Stages of Parkinson’s

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shutterstock_167099975Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that worsens over time. For some individuals, a long period of time may elapse between an initial diagnosis and the appearance of severe, disabling symptoms. For others, the disease may progress rapidly. Not much is known about why some people develop severe symptoms quickly, while others stay relatively healthy for much longer. However, there are a few commonly recognized stages of disease progression that are experienced by most individuals living with Parkinson’s.

In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movement are usually mild, may be limited to one side of the body, and often present more of an annoyance than a true impediment to activities of daily living. In the middle stages of Parkinson’s, these symptoms become more severe, and may be accompanied by urinary and gastrointestinal disorders, sleep problems, depression, and dementia. In late-stage Parkinson’s, symptoms are very severe, and often disabling.

The later stages of Parkinson’s disease are characterized by severe tremors and shaking, stiffness in the trunk, limbs, and extremities, slow and difficult movement, a shuffling gait, and markedly stooped posture. Patients in this stage of the disease may lose the ability to walk, and often lose the ability to function independently, requiring assistance with bathing, mealtimes, and other everyday activities. At this stage, as chewing and swallowing may become difficult, people with Parkinson’s are at heightened risk for dehydration and malnutrition. If the person is still able to walk, there is a significant risk of falls, which may result in major injury. Depression and sleep disturbances, as well as urinary and digestive problems, can severely impact the quality of life for people suffering from late-stage Parkinson’s. For these reasons, it’s essential for people in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease to receive compassionate and competent care tailored to their individual needs.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Parkinson’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Parkinson Home Care New York

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Middle Stages of Parkinson’s

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shutterstock_218198755Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that effects the nervous system. Although it is can manifest early in life, Parkinson’s is most common in older adults over the age of 60. Common symptoms include tremors (shaking) of the limbs and head, stiffness of the back, limbs, and extremities, slow movements, stooped posture, and a shuffling gait. Additionally, sleep disturbances, digestive and urinary problems, depression, and dementia effect many Parkinson’s sufferers. The time between the onset of symptoms and the point at which they become disabling varies from person to person. For some, symptoms progress very slowly; these individuals may enjoy many relatively healthy, productive years after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. For others, symptoms progress more quickly, leading to a rapid deterioration in ability and quality of life.

While it is not well understood why Parkinson’s progresses quickly for certain people and not for others, there are a few commonly recognized stages of the disease. In the early stages of Parkinson’s, symptoms are generally mild, may be confined to only one side of the body, and are often more annoying than they are debilitating. In the middle stages of Parkinson’s, tremors are often more pronounced, and may lead to difficulties performing fine motor tasks, such as writing, as well as greater discomfort. Stiffness often worsens in the middle stages of the disease, and slowness of movement is more pronounced. Walking also frequently becomes more difficult in mid-stage Parkinson’s.

As a result of worsening symptoms, people suffering from mid-stage Parkinson’s may find activities of daily living, particularly those that require fine motor skills and coordination, increasingly difficult. Formerly independent individuals may require help with tasks like cooking and cleaning. It is also during the middle stages of the disease that many people may have to stop working. It’s important for people living with Parkinson’s to pay close attention to changes in their symptoms, so that they can make the necessary adjustments and accommodations in order to remain safe, and to preserve health and quality of life for as long as possible.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Parkinson’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Parkinson Home Care New York

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Knowing When to Get Help

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People suffering from Alzheimer’s must contend with difficult challenges, one of which is adapting to major lifestyle changes. The memory loss and confusion that accompany the disease make it difficult to perform daily tasks. The cognitive and emotional changes that occur as Alzheimer’s progresses can be frightening and cause great distress. Losing the ability to communicate can be extremely frustrating. Many of those in its early stages may try to hide or downplay the extent of their symptoms to others. However, acknowledging that there is a problem and taking early action is the best way to prepare for the future.

Memory loss is one of the earliest and most easily recognizable symptoms of Alzheimer’s. While a certain degree of forgetfulness is normal – misplacing your keys, forgetting a friend’s birthday, being unable to recall certain details of a conversation – more pervasive memory loss is an indication that you may need help. Routinely placing objects in inappropriate places such as putting your keys in the microwave or your wallet in the fridge should raise awareness. Other symptoms include getting lost in familiar surroundings or forgetting the names of close friends and family members can be indications of severe memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s. When these types of symptoms occur, your safety and wellbeing can be compromised. Getting lost, using medications improperly, or failing to maintain good eating and sleeping habits are just a few of the high risks that accompany memory loss.

When memory is severely compromised and daily life tasks become too difficult to perform independently, it’s time to get outside assistance. Although it can be difficult to ask for help, it is essential for your life. Attempting to do more than you are capable of can not only put your health and safety in jeopardy, it can also lead to greater confusion, frustration, and depression. Getting support from caregivers and loved ones can help ease the transition our of full independence and insure that your life is as comfortable as possible.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to provide home health care for you or any loved one. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Home Health Care New Yrok

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Insight on Skilled Home Health Aides

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Those who are recovering from surgery, disabled or suffering from dementia will benefit from in home care services. An in-home health aide gives your loved one security and comfort in their own home. Specifically for the elderly, in-home care grants them the ability to live as independently as they can for the longest time possible. There are a variety of care services available offering a range of assistance. For example, a personal care aid can prepare meals while a companion aide organizes recreational activities. Home care aides usually work with individuals who are moderately self-sufficient and not reliant on around-the-clock care as in a hospital. A skilled care worker is for someone who has surpassed the hospital stage but still requires regular medical care.

When your loved one’s needs extend beyond the qualifications of an in-home care service worker, a skilled care professional is needed. A skilled care aide, such as an in-home nurse, fulfills medical needs of elderly who are ill, disabled, or suffering from dementia. The needs of the patient may include administering medications and shots, conducting physical therapy, overseeing rehabilitation after a surgery, accessing health levels and performing emergency care. In-home medical professionals are trained specifically to manage care and observe health to ensure stability. Skilled care workers are informed about medical practices and are able to effectively monitor health conditions.

As you begin your search, have these questions ready to ask the in-home medical professional: What kind of services can they provide? Can they provide references and certifications? What is the cost? Do they accept insurance? Use resources like your local hospitals, community centers, and local online listings to find the best service. An aide can serve as a valuable source of information as you and your loved one face health issues.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to provide home health care for you or any loved one. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Home Health Care New Yrok

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Understanding Personal Care Services

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Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be extremely difficult, not only for the person suffering from the disease, but also for their loved ones. There are many questions that accompany an Alzheimer’s diagnosis including: concerns about the progression of the illness, effects on physical and mental wellbeing, issues surrounding the patient’s long-term independence and living situation, and the type of care that will be appropriate at each stage of the disease. While it can be overwhelming to know that someone you love is suffering from a degenerative disease that will impact their ability to remember things, communicate with others, and live independently, it’s important to keep in mind that you don’t have to face the challenges of Alzheimer’s care alone.

When deciding what kind of care is best for your loved one, there are several factors to consider. The type of care they need is heavily dependent on their abilities: can they still bathe, dress, and eat unassisted, or do they struggle with basic activities of daily living? How much time do you have to devote to their care? Will they remain at home, or does their condition require the type of round-the-clock skilled care that is provided in residential facilities? The wishes of your loved one should also be taken into consideration as much as possible. Once you’ve evaluated the needs, you can begin to decide what kind of care is best.

For those who are able to remain at home and enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings, a personal caregiver can provide the kind of assistance that will help your loved one to stay in their home for as long as possible. A personal caregiver can provide the kind of compassionate assistance that will help to maintain your loved one’s health, happiness, and quality of life. Examples of personal caregiver duties: preparing meals, doing laundry, household chores, run errands, go grocery shopping, provide transportation, and assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. Personal caregivers are usually not trained to provide medical care. If your loved one requires medical attention, you should consider an in-home medical professional. can provide the kind of compassionate assistance that will help to maintain your loved one’s health, happiness, and quality of life.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to provide home health care for you or any loved one. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Home Health Care New Yrok

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