At Home Helpers, my team and I have had countless opportunities to assist male and female seniors from all walks of life, with a variety of physical and mental health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
Our very own Home Helpers® Case Manager, Kathleen, has personal experience with Parkinson's Disease as her father was diagnosed with it years ago. She says that it's important to help them maintain their dignity and independence by respecting their wishes and giving social cues and gentle reminders where needed.
As a Doctor of Nursing and Certified Senior Care Advisor, I always want to learn more about the maladies that our clients contend with so I can share vital information and provide specialized training for our caregivers and staff.
This month is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, so I turned to the Illinois Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association (APDA) to learn more about Parkinson’s disease and explore learning opportunities and local events in our community that help fund continued research toward a cure, so we can all be proactive in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease in Illinois.
APDA says, “Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a type of neurologic movement disorder, affecting the brain and causing difficulty with movements, or motor symptoms. It is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning symptoms become worse over time and can affect the ability to perform common daily activities.”
The potential causes of PD remain unclear, but they are believed to be linked to genetic predispositions and environmental factors, like exposure to pesticides and solvents. Research is ongoing to find more answers about the causes of PD and how it might be prevented or cured.
Some of the most common symptoms of PD include:
- Tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
- Dementia
- Slowness of movement
- Rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Sleep disturbances
- Constipation
- Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination
Additional symptoms may also include:
- Skin problems
- Depression
- Changes in speech
- Fear/anxiety
- Loss of facial expression
- Memory difficulties/slowed thinking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Urinary problems
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue/Loss of energy
- Small, cramped handwriting
“While there is no cure for Parkinson’s at this time, there are a number of treatments and lifestyle changes that can ease symptoms. Parkinson’s medications are the mainstay of treatment, but modalities are often used in combination to reap the most benefits. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can be critical to the treatment plan. Surgical options also have an important role for a subset of patients with PD. Finally, complementary therapies can be used to treat some Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Your physician and other healthcare professionals can help you determine the best treatment plan for your symptoms,” according to the APDA.
Upcoming APDA educational opportunities and fundraising events are scheduled locally in Naperville. These include:
- Parkinson’s Awareness Month APDA Meet and Greet, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Colonial Café & Ice Cream, 1101 S Washington St, Naperville. Meet APDA Board Member, Ed Hatteberg.
- Cognitive and Other Non-Motor Symptoms: Keys to Coping, is Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Northern Illinois University, Naperville Conference Center
- ADPA 2024 Optimism Walk, Saturday, June 22, 2024, Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court, Naperville. Check-in and pre-event activities begin at 9:00 AM.
If you or a senior you love has PD, I strongly encourage you to participate in these events and find PD support groups or PD exercise support groups for a better understanding of this progressive movement disorder and ways to manage life with this debilitating disease.
Kathleen’s greatest advice for families and others going through this journey is, "Don't do it alone. Get as much help and support as you can."
There are many ways a professional caregiver can help seniors with PD:
- Caregivers offer emotional support, physical help, and understanding.
- Caregivers communicate with family and healthcare providers to discuss symptoms, observations, or concerns.
- Caregivers set realistic goals with their clients based on what they can and can’t do.
- Caregivers are patient and understanding and allow time and space for the client to be able to accomplish tasks on their own.
- Caregivers encourage the client to exercise and engage in simple activities they enjoy.
- Caregivers are honest with themselves, the Parkinson’s patient, and his/her family.
- Caregivers modify areas to promote safety (ex: maintain clear paths throughout the home).
If a compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver can make life easier by providing a variety of in-home care services, care, and support for you or a loved one with PD, I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs and discuss all the ways we can make life easier.
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Our team is honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and the Employer of Choice Awards 2024, as well as the 2024 Caring Super Star Award from Caring.com. Contact our award-winning team today if we can help make life easier for you or a senior you love: 630.800.3837
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