Living at home with Parkinson's Disease

from Prime Times - July 21, 2022

Recipe Corner

PRIME TIMES | JULY 21, 2022 • TBR NEWS MEDIA • PRIME TIMES • PAGE B17Health Living at home with Parkinson's disease

Each year, more than 60,000 people in the U.S. find out they have Parkinson’s disease, a chronic, progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrollable body movements, muscle stiffness and balance problems. Speech may be slow and expressionless, and personality changes also are common.

Parkinson’s is diagnosed based on the person’s health history and a physical examination. Blood tests and other laboratory tests are only useful to rule out other conditions. The National Institutes of Health reports that diagnosis is often confirmed when a patient experiences improvement after taking medications prescribed for Parkinson’s.

Beyond medication, other treatments include surgically implanted deep brain stimulators to improve symptoms; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and changes in diet and exercise.

“When Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed in a loved one, early planning is important,” says Gregg Balbera, President of Right at Home Nassau Suffolk. “While some people with Parkinson’s will experience only minor motor disruptions, others will eventually need full-time care support.”

Balbera says that as the disease progresses, moving to an assisted living or other supported living facility sometimes is the best choice; however, many people with Parkinson’s prefer to stay in their own home, or that of a loved one, for as long as possible.

“Before making that decision, family should assess the suitability of the home,” says Balbera. “Is single-story living possible? Could modifications make the home more accessible? Modifications range from simple and inexpensive — for example, a raised toilet seat and handrails — to more extensive remodeling, such as enlarged doorways, a walk-in shower and safer flooring.”

Next, consider the care assistance your loved one could need as the disease progresses.

“The person’s spouse, adult children or other loved ones could provide care,” notes Balbera. “But as your loved one’s needs change, this could become a more difficult challenge. Many families hire professional in-home care to allow their loved one to stay safe at home longer.”

In-home care can help with care coordination and transportation, medication reminders, meal preparation and assistance, fall prevention and safety precautions in the home and out, assistance with personal care, companionship and communication, supervision for exercise and support for family caregivers.

“When family caregivers try to provide all their loved one’s care on their own, they are at risk of caregiver burnout and a decline in their own health,” says Balbera.

“Bringing in professional care lowers their stress and allows them to spend their time with their loved one doing things they all enjoy.”◆