What is it?
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain gradually deteriorate over time. Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain. This results in a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is essential for the regulation of body movement. Many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by a decrease in dopamine.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms can worsen as the disease progresses, making it increasingly difficult to carry out daily activities without assistance. Many people respond well to treatment and only have mild to moderate disabilities, whereas a minority may not respond as well and may become severely disabled over time.
Parkinson’s disease does not directly cause death, but it can put a strain on the body and make some people more susceptible to serious and life-threatening infections.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
- involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor)
- slow movement
- stiff and inflexible muscles
A person with Parkinson’s disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms.
These include:
- depression and anxiety
- balance problems (this may increase the chances of a fall)
- loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- problems sleeping (insomnia)
- memory problems
You can find out more information here: Homepage | Parkinson’s UK (parkinsons.org.uk)
How Comfort Care At Home can help
In our experience, when caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, it is important to provide emotional support, as much as practical day-to-day support. Our approach to care is sensitive to this and our care professionals go out of their way to encourage as much independence as possible with day-to-day activities and beneficial activities, such as exercise. It is also important to be aware that Parkinson’s symptoms can vary not only from day-to-day but also from hour to hour, so all our care reflects that.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can make simple tasks challenging, so our care professionals are on hand to assist with the needs of your loved one in a sensitive and empathetic way. Central to our care ethos is helping our clients have as fulfilling and enjoyable a life as possible.
Our care professionals are trained to manage and administer medication on time as Parkinson’s medication is very time sensitive. We can also help with all the normal tasks you would associate with in home care. We will support your loved one with their personal care, tidy up around the house, change the bedsheets, prepare a meal or drink using thickeners so they don’t choke on foods or aspirate fluids, take your loved one to a hospital appointment, pop to the shops and most importantly, take the time to sit down and have a chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Because of the highly fluid nature of Parkinson’s symptoms, we understand that there will be good days and more challenging ones, where your loved one will need more support. Whatever day it is, our care professionals will be on hand to provide the level of support needed.
If you are looking for at home care for a loved one who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, get in touch with our friendly care team today on 020 8610 9778 or email us on info@comfortcareathome.co.uk. We’ll answer your questions, direct you towards useful information and help you make the right choice for your loved one. We are here to help.