Having a loved one with Parkinson’s disease means that your life is going to change, as well as his. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that causes the person affected by the disease to lose control of his body. The disease attacks the nerve cells in his brain that are responsible for movement and coordination. The symptoms of the disease usually begin gradually and get worse over time. What your loved one can manage and do today, he might not be able to do next month.
Parkinson’s Disease Progression
While everyone’s journey with the disease is unique, Parkinson’s disease does have five typical stages of progression. The amount of time your loved one will spend in each stage is unknown.
- Stage 1: During the first stage, daily activities are usually largely not affected. Your loved one may experience slight tremors or movement issues on one side of the body.
- Stage 2: Both sides of the body become affected, and rigidity begins to set in. Walking and movement are possible but require more effort.
- Stage 3: Loss of balance is a key indicator of this stage. While your loved one can still be independent, he might need help with chores that require a lot of movement, such as yard care.
- Stage 4: Symptoms become fully disabling, making living independently almost impossible. Your loved one will need help and support for most activities.
- Stage 5: Rigidity increases so much that walking becomes impossible, and your loved one may become bedridden or wheelchair-bound, requiring 24-hour care.
Four Reasons to Get In-Home Parkinson’s Care Early
Even if your loved one is in Stage One or Stage Two and can perform most tasks by himself, you might want to start to look into arranging for in-home Parkinson’s care now.
The disease progresses differently for everyone.
It can be slowly progressing, and then suddenly, several symptoms worsen, making daily chores difficult to perform without warning. Having someone already hired to perform in-home Parkinson’s care will help ensure your loved one is trying to perform tasks he can no longer do and hurting himself.
Trust is important in care.
Trust comes with time spent with someone. While all in-home Parkinson’s care team providers are professionally trained and trustworthy people, if your loved one has a difficult time trusting a new person, having a provider who can be with him from the beginning can help him feel more comfortable later.
Make home environment changes.
While symptoms may increase quickly, they may also stay in one stage for years. A provider who assists with in-home Parkinson’s care can help you evaluate areas around the home that you can make more accommodating for your loved one so that he can remain more independent for longer and not have to give up some of his favorite activities. Creating an accommodating living space also supports him and maintains his self-esteem as he manages the emotions that accompany a disease that takes away so much.
You will need a rest.
Even the strongest caregivers need an occasional rest or a bit of respite. You will have other loved ones that need attention, other responsibilities that must be taken care of, and your own mental health. Having a provider for in-home Parkinson’s care will give you someone you can lean on when you need a little extra help.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Parkinson’s Care in Bellevue, WA, please contact the caring staff at Acti-Kare Responsive In Home Care today!
Acti-Kare provides exceptional senior home care across King County, Pierce County, and Snohomish County; including Bellevue, Kirkland, Kenmore, Bothell, Lynnwood, Woodinville, Redmond, Sammamish, Shoreline, Everett, Renton, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.
