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All Posts Tagged: Parkinson’s

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The early stage of Parkinson

What are the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

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The early stage of ParkinsonParkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system, caused by gradual loss of function in the parts of the brain that control movement. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremor of the hands, face, or limbs, stiffness in the arms, legs, and torso, and difficulty initiating voluntary movement. Other early symptoms may include smaller handwriting, stooping or poor posture, and a shuffling walk, and a consistently “serious,” “sad, or angry” facial expression, regardless of the person’s actual mood.

Parkinson’s usually affects people over the age of 50. For most people who develop Parkinson’s, early symptoms are subtle, appear gradually over time, and progress in stages. In some people, however, symptoms progress much more quickly, leading to a more sudden loss of ability.

As the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s become more pronounced, affected individuals often have more difficulty walking, talking, and completing everyday tasks. Walking often becomes problematic as balance, posture, and coordination are compromised, and a characteristic shuffling gait develops, making falls more likely. Talking sometimes becomes difficult for people with Parkinson’s as the disease progresses; many Parkinson’s sufferers speak in a very soft voice, have trouble modulating their tone, and may struggle to find the right words to express themselves. Bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living become more difficult as coordination deteriorates and voluntary movement gets harder. People with Parkinson’s may experience trouble eating, as a lack of control over the muscles that govern chewing and swallowing make mealtimes more of a challenge.

Because of the progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to stay vigilant at the first onset of symptoms. Although it’s impossible to predict how quickly symptoms will get worse, since disease progress varies from person to person, it’s vital to pursue treatment and coordinate assistance for affected individuals as soon as possible.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one seeking care from a home care agency for Parkinson’s related challenges. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Senior Care New York

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The first thing to do to suit the needs of Parkinson’s Patients

The first thing to do to suit the needs of Parkinson’s Patients

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The first thing to do to suit the needs of Parkinson’s PatientsFor people with Parkinson’s disease, many everyday activities become more of a challenge as abilities decline. The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremor, stiffness, impaired balance, difficulty walking, and postural instability, all contribute to the difficulty of independently carrying out activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, household chores, getting dressed, and bathing. Fortunately, adapting the living environment to the changing abilities and needs of someone with Parkinson’s disease can increase their comfort, safety, and quality of life, as well as helping them to preserve independence for as long as possible.

If you’ve ever had an injury or illness (and everyone has!) you know how something like a sprained ankle or a bad cold can interfere with everyday tasks: going up and down stairs, working in the garden, or making yourself understood over the phone, for example. Now imagine living with Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms of which profoundly affect a person’s mobility, coordination, and mental and emotional state. The degeneration that occurs as a result of Parkinson’s can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening for those suffering from the disease, as well as for their loved ones and caregivers. Especially in the bathroom, as intimate of a space as there is, being unable to perform basic self-care can take a toll. However, with careful planning and attention to detail, the bathroom of a person living with Parkinson’s can be adapted to allow them maximum safety, privacy, and comfort.

The first steps in adjusting the living space to suit the needs of someone with Parkinson’s are also the most basic. Making sure that personal care items—toilet paper, soap, lotions, toothbrushes, denture cleaners, and combs—are in easy reach is essential. Make sure that everything is accessible, without the need to stoop, bend, or reach overhead. Installing easy-to-grasp pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers can be very helpful. Because soap is slippery and easily dropped, trying a bar of soap inside a length of nylon stocking and tying it to a grab bar in the shower is a good idea. As Parkinson’s progresses and people have more trouble walking and keeping their balance, grab bars placed in showers or tubs and near toilets and sinks are a safety necessity. Make sure that bath mats are non-slip to prevent falls, and install a shower seat or a non-slip mat in the shower. As a person’s cognitive abilities deteriorate, it can also be helpful to provide safety reminders, such as a piece of red tape on the “hot” tap, and a piece of blue tape to signal “cold.”

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

General Home Care New York

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What are the measures to accommodate growing challenges of Parkinson's patients?

The measures to accommodate growing challenges of Parkinson’s patients

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What are the measures to accommodate growing challenges of Parkinson's patients?Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes impaired movement, tremors, and a host of other symptoms in its sufferers. Most commonly diagnosed in people over 50, Parkinson’s disease usually appears with subtle manifestations and gets worse gradually over time, often progressing in stages. For the caregivers and loved ones of someone with Parkinson’s, it can be difficult to witness the decline in ability and increasing discomfort that accompanies the disease. However, there are many measures that can be taken to accommodate growing challenges and to preserve quality of life.

Attention to the living environment is essential in insuring the safety and comfort of someone with Parkinson’s disease. Because people with Parkinson’s often have compromised balance, unstable posture, poor coordination, and a shuffling gait, they are at high risk for tripping and falling. The use of walkers, canes, and wheelchairs is often helpful for mobility. Whether or not someone with uses these devices, however, care should be taken to minimize or eliminate obstacles that may pose a tripping hazard or prevent easy navigation of rooms with a walker or wheelchair. Area rugs, exposed electrical cords, raised thresholds between rooms, furniture, and lamps are some of the most common hazards for people with Parkinson’s. Make sure that furniture is placed so that someone in a wheelchair can easily move around it, that decorative items such as sculptures are placed out of the way, and that area rugs are removed or tacked down. Insuring that electrical cords are well out of the way is also essential.

In addition to preventing falls, adjusting the living environment for someone with Parkinson’s includes making sure that doors are easy to open, lights are easy to switch on, and personal items like soap and toilet paper are easy to access without having to reach for them. Replacing door-knobs with handles that are easier for someone with motor impairments to grasp, and insuring that lights can be accessed by someone in a wheelchair, are good steps to take. Sharp edges and corners in the home, such as on kitchen countertops, should be covered. In some cases, it can be helpful to attach pieces of rope or string to cupboard door handles to make them easier to open. Adapting the living environment to the needs of someone with Parkinson’s can increase their comfort and safety, as well as your ability to care for them with confidence and peace of mind.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to assist you or any loved one looking for home care services for Parkinson’s related care needs. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Elder Care New York

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the challenges of people who are suffered from Parkinson

What are the challenges of people who are suffered from Parkinson’s?

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the challenges of people who are suffered from ParkinsonParkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects many people worldwide, most of them over the age of 50. It is classified as a progressive degenerative disease, meaning that its symptoms worsen over time. Although the onset of symptoms is usually slow and subtle, for some individuals symptoms may appear suddenly and rapidly worsen.

One of the most typical symptoms of Parkinson’s is shaking, or tremor, of the hands, face, and limbs; the vast majority of people with the disorder will suffer from tremors to some degree. Although they may be barely perceptible at first, these tremors often increase in severity over time. Shaking that was once very mild can eventually worsen to the point that it interferes with everyday activities. Imagine trying to dial a phone number, lift a fork to your mouth, or button a shirt when your hands arms are shaking uncontrollably—for people with Parkinson’s, even the simplest tasks can become a major challenge.

In addition to the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s, all of which directly impact movement, many people with the disease will suffer from a host of other symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and other emotional disturbances, are common among people with Parkinson’s. As well as the situational depression that may result from a dramatic change in ability and independence, Parkinson’s can affect the brain chemistry of its sufferers in a way that makes them more susceptible to depression. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking are often difficult for people with Parkinson’s, as control of the voluntary muscles of the mouth and throat decline. This can be extremely frustrating as well as potentially dangerous, as choking, dehydration, and malnutrition can result. Urinary problems and constipation, in addition to skin problems such as dry skin and dandruff, can also lead to decreased quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease. Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, excessive sleepiness during the day, and sleepwalking can also occur in people with Parkinson’s.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to assist you or a loved one interested in home care services for Parkinson’s related care. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Home Care Brooklyn

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Support Groups for Parkinson’s Patients

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Parkinson’s is a chronic, degenerative disease that has symptoms of impaired mobility, body tremors, stiffness of the limbs and torso, difficulty balancing, and fatigue. These symptoms are most severe in the mid and late stages of the disease. Progressiveness of the disease varies tremendously from person to person and treatment should be tailored to meet an individual’s needs. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, managing symptoms can help improve a patient’s quality of life.

Education is the first step in living well with disease. Organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s provide a variety of resources with tips on medication, non-motor symptoms, and coping techniques. Movement disorder specialists usually offer supplemental materials to keep on hand such as treatment pamphlets. Research to find out if there is a local Chronic Disease Self Management Program; an organization established by Stanford University that offers weekly educational sessions for Parkinson’s patients. Support groups can also be rich sources of knowledge; connecting with other patients can offer new insights on treating symptoms and can enhance the learning curve.

In addition to being an educational source, support groups provide patients with much needed encouragement. Although loved ones and caregivers play a vital role in a patient’s life, connecting with others who struggle with the challenges of living with Parkinson’s can alleviate feelings of isolation. Remaining active and social can help ward off depression and promote emotional health. Above all, finding meaning in activities outside the home can help Parkinson’s sufferers to achieve a sense of purpose and balance that will help them cope with the challenges of the disease.

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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