Home Helpers Provides the Best Specialized In-Home Care for Clients with Parkinson’s Disease
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
When I think of Parkinson’s disease (PD), my immediate thoughts are of Michael J. Fox, a popular American actor and performer who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s when he was in his 30s. It astounds me that he continues to bravely battle this debilitating condition more than 30 years later.
PD looks different for every sufferer. One senior gentleman we currently assist at Home Helpers was diagnosed with PD nearly seven years ago, but over the last year, he has shown significant decline into the latter stages.
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, so in my role as a Certified Senior Care Advisor at Home Helpers, I want my care team to understand as much as possible about PD, so they always provide the best specialized in-home care for our clients with Parkinson’s Disease, no matter what stage the client is navigating.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
The National Institutes of Health defines Parkinson’s disease as a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, shaking, tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Parkinson’s occurs when the brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement, cease to function or die.
“Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It is estimated that PD affects 1 percent of the population over the age of 60,” explains the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASF), which provides free services and programs that improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners.
In 2021, PASF reported that Florida ranked #1 nationally for the highest percentage of the population with PD, and our beautiful Sunshine State ranked #2 nationally for the highest number of people diagnosed with PD, which at that time stood at 64,000.
What causes PD?
According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, “Researchers believe that in most people, Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.”
What are the symptoms of PD?
Symptoms vary from patient to patient, as does the degree of severity, and they include movement (motor) symptoms, as well as non-movement (non-motor) symptoms that are referred to as “invisible.”
Movement or motor symptoms include:
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Stiffness (rigidity)
- Resting tremors
- Difficulties walking
- Problems with balance and coordination
Non-movement or non-motor symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Difficulties sleeping
“It's important to remember that even if you experience symptoms common among people with Parkinson’s, they may be from a completely different condition. Read more about Parkinson’s symptoms or take the Parkinson’s Screening Questionnaire to see if you should speak to your doctor or a movement disorder specialist about PD,” suggests the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
10 Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, one symptom is not indicative of early-onset PD, but if you notice more than one of the following 10 early warning signs of PD, I strongly recommend that you or your loved one consult with a doctor:
- Tremors
- Small Handwriting
- Loss of Smell
- Trouble Sleeping
- Trouble Moving or Walking
- Constipation
- A Soft or Low Voice
- Facial Masking (Sad or mad look on their face)
- Dizziness or Fainting
- Stooped or Hunched Posture
5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with PD, it is important to understand the 5 stages of Parkinson’s Disease as explained by the Parkinson’s Foundation:
Stage 1 – During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. Changes in posture, walking, and facial expressions occur.
Stage 2 – Symptoms start getting worse. Tremor, rigidity, and other movement symptoms affect both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may be apparent. The person is still able to live alone, but daily tasks are more difficult and lengthy.
Stage 3 – Considered mid-stage, loss of balance and slowness of movements are hallmarks. Falls are more common. The person is still fully independent, but symptoms significantly impair activities such as dressing and eating.
Stage 4 – At this point, symptoms are severe and limiting. It’s possible to stand without assistance, but movement may require a walker. The person needs help with activities of daily living and is unable to live alone.
Stage 5 – This is the most advanced and debilitating stage. Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock care is required for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions. The Parkinson’s community acknowledges that there are many important non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms.
Are there ways to slow PD progression?
The Parkinson’s Foundation, another non-profit organization researching PD, sheds some light. “Parkinson's symptoms can impact your life in numerous ways. Using a range of therapies and supports as needed can make all the difference. Personalized medicines, social support groups, mental health care and participation in clinical trials have all shown benefits to people with Parkinson's. While scientists are evaluating everything from medications to mindfulness practice for clues (to slowing the progression of PD), they've discovered some of the biggest benefits start at home.”
Their primary suggestions for slowing the advancement of PD are eating a nutritious plant-based diet and participating in regular exercise routines.
“Eating a whole-food, plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet — including fresh vegetables, fruit and berries, nuts, seeds, fish, olive and coconut oils, and more — may be linked to slower PD progression.
“When you live with PD, exercise is also critical to optimal health. In fact, the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project shows at least 2.5 hours a week of physical activity can slow PD symptom progression. Research reveals regular exercise also shows neuroprotective effects in animal models with Parkinson's,” says the Parkinson Foundation. “Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It is estimated that PD affects 1 percent of the population over the age of 60,” according to the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASF).
In 2021, PASF reported that Florida ranked #1 nationally for the highest percentage of the population with PD, and the Sunshine State is #2 nationally for the highest number of people diagnosed with PD, which, at the time of the initial report, stood at 64,000.
Please remember that if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, my care team can help by providing the best specialized in-home care for each stage of progression and respite care for weary family care partners. I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs, create a personalized care plan, and select the most qualified, compassionate caregiver to make life easier for everyone.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.
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