Concerned that Your Mom Could Have Parkinson’s? Things to Look for and Proper Senior Care in Cascade, MI
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurological disorder that greatly impacts a person’s movement and motor skills. If you suspect a parent or loved one could be suffering from Parkinson’s, it is helpful to know what to look for when providing senior care.
There are many symptoms that could lead to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
- Is your loved one having difficulty with movement? This could include slow movements or struggling to get up from a sitting position. Automatic movements could be affected such as swinging the arms when walking or making gestures when speaking. You may notice a lack in your loved one’s facial expressions.
- Tremors, usually of the hands, can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, and cooking.
- Rigidness of the joints feels like a rusty hinge resistant to move.
- Taking the initial step forward can be a challenge. A person with Parkinson’s may feel frozen or like their feet are glued to the floor. This decreases once they get momentum going but can return when they need to make a turn.
- Those with Parkinson’s become easily unbalanced with a tendency to fall backwards. They may need to hold onto stationary objects as they move about or use a walker or cane.
- Bad posture develops as the disease progresses. Because balance becomes an issue, they often thrust their head forward to keep from falling backwards. They start to stoop or walk hunched over.
During the early stages of Parkinson’s, a person may be able to function independently. However, as the disease progresses, they may need to rely on others for help with daily living activities. Senior care will most likely be necessary at some point in time.
Home care providers for those with Parkinson’s can:
- Help maintain mobility
- Help with meal preparation and ensure their loved one is eating a nutritious diet
- Develop an exercise regimen that will help increase strength
- Help their loved one maintain some level of independence and ensure their safety
- Provide emotional support
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, schedule an appointment with their physician. The health care provider will perform a physical exam and make a diagnosis based on the results and symptoms. There is no cure for Parkinson’s but the doctor can advise you on the best way to proceed with senior care and prescribe medication that can help control the shaking and problems with movement.
If you or someone you know needs help with senior care in Cascade, MI, contact the caregivers at Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care for many disabled and elderly loved ones in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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