November 3, 2009
Tips From Carol Carbutti The Owner Of Comfort Keepers An In Home Non-Medical Agency In Wallingford, CT For Seniors And Family Caregivers Who Are Living With And Caring For Someone Who Has The Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease
By Carol Carbutti
When it comes to Parkinson’s disease all the caregivers involved need to learn and understand an elderly client’s symptoms in order to manage their environment efficiently. Unfortunately, there are no specific tests that confirm beyond a doubt that a senior parent has Parkinson’s disease. So doctors often base their conclusion on a clinical examination. A family member or companion must also evaluate the patient’s medical history. Some doctors may also start their patient on a dopamine agonist to see if it reduces the symptoms.
There is still some debate about exactly what signs and symptoms confirm that an elderly parent has Parkinson’s disease. The table below is one set of categories that is often used:
Diagnosis Symptoms
Possible Parkinson’s disease One of the following: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia
Probably Parkinson’s disease Two of the following: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, or if any one of these appears on only one side of the body
Definite Parkinson’s disease All three of the following: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, or if two of these appear with one appearing on only one side of the body
If an elderly mother or father has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, there are several things you and your family can do to help improve their everyday life. You can encourage them to stay active and make subtle changes in the home environment to help your senior parents live more easily with their symptoms. Many retired seniors find it helpful to join a support group and try speech therapy if needed.
It is a good idea to make simple changes in your aging parent’s home environment. These can help family members and other caregivers perform everyday tasks more easily and safely. Here are a few ideas:
1. Install railings in bathrooms, hallways, or other locations to help your senior parent maintain balance.
2. For elderly patients in advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, wheelchairs and ramps can
provide the means to move around at will.
All of these changes allow your elderly parents to function more independently in their home. This can give an elderly father or mother much needed confidence. It will also help them feel like they are doing everything they can to manage this disease successfully.
The management of an aging senior patient with Parkinson’s disease frequently extends beyond the care of a personal physician, often falling into the hands of others. A care partner can be a spouse, parent, child, friend or an in home caregiver. The more than 5 million Americans who are care partners are vital to those who live with Parkinson’s and other diseases. As a care partner, there are many ways you can help.
Here are some practical tips:
1. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can go a long way in helping the aging elderly
patient with Parkinson’s disease to maintain function and normal activities. You as a caregiver
can make sure that the recommended exercises are done regularly. For your senior loved one
to maximize independence, safety, and activities of daily living, you need to encourage exercise
such as walking and swimming.
2. Make sure the elderly patient eats a balanced diet and consumes enough food to maintain
proper weight. In addition, make sure that any vitamins that the doctor has recommended are taken.
3. If your senior parent has swallowing difficulties, please consult your physician.
4. You should learn the Heimlich maneuver in case your loved one begins to choke.
A doctor can show you how to do this.
5. If possible, enlist the help of an in home visiting nurse or healthcare professional companion.
Here are some practical suggestions from Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT that can make an aging seniors home safer. Family members or other caregivers should modify the home environment to make things easier for your elderly mother or father to move around in. For safety you can customize seating, toilets, bathtubs, and shower by installing grab bars where appropriate. Remove tables with pointed edges that could injure an elderly loved- one if he or she stumbles. Place fragile objects such as lamps and vases in areas where your senior mom or dad can’t knock them over. Here are a few more things to consider:
1. Clothing that has Velcro enclosures are easier to use instead of zippers or buttons.
A Pullover will make getting dressed for your aging retired parents easier as well.
2. Remove large obstructions to prevent hazards in the home for your senior parents like doorsills
and throw rugs.
3. All caregivers and family companions should keep a diary about your loved one’s condition to
share with his/her doctor.
You and your family can consult with the National Parkinson’s Foundation for additional information on products that may make the home environment safer.
CC/dg
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