In-Home Parkinson’s Disease Care, Caregiver | Parkinson’s care when you need it, in the safety and comfort of your home
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease is never easy, especially as the condition progresses. Early on, they may only need assistance with transportation and help running errands. But as Parkinson’s disease evolves and their symptoms become more and more debilitating, they will need help with personal care and the activities of daily life. Eventually, your loved one may reach a point where they can’t be left alone and need constant Parkinson’s Disease Care from a knowledgeable Parkinson’s Disease caregiver.
At FCP Live-In, we believe Parkinson’s disease patients deserve to live with dignity and respect, in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Our live-in Parkinson’s Disease caregivers are there for the patient and knowledgeable about the needs of a person afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. For over two decades, we’ve helped hundreds of people living with chronic illnesses remain safe, secure, and independent at home.
With FCP Live-In, affordable, live-in, quality Parkinson’s disease care with a knowledgeable Parkinson’s Disease caregiver is now easier than ever.
Let us treat your loved one like family. Call us directly at 1 (866) 559-9492.
What to Expect When a Loved One Has Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes a gradual loss of muscle control. Although the disorder generally occurs in elderly people, it is occasionally seen in younger adults. In fact, roughly 5-to-10% of all Parkinson’s disease cases occur before the age of 50.
Parkinson’s disease usually evolves in five distinct stages:
- People with Stage 1 Parkinson’s disease may experience tremors on one side of their body, as well as slight changes in gait, posture, and facial expression. Because these symptoms are typically too mild to interfere with daily life, many assume they are merely a consequence of aging or other health problems. As a result, an official diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is often delayed.
- Once someone progresses to Stage 2 Parkinson’s disease, both sides of their body might be affected by tremors or a sense of rigidity. Issues with posture and walking are now quite noticeable. Although they might find it more difficult to perform daily activities, these individuals are still able to do most things for themselves.
- Stage 3 Parkinson’s disease is marked by worsening motor skills, including slower movements and a loss of balance that increases vulnerability to falls. People in Stage 3 generally experience more difficulty eating, drinking, and performing other personal tasks.
- Stage 4 Parkinson’s disease is considered advanced. Although most patients will still be able to stand on their own, mobility is now greatly impaired. They usually need assistance with most daily activities.
- Once they reach Stage 5 Parkinson’s disease, patients will no longer be able to walk or stand on their own, and will likely require the use of a wheelchair and other assistive devices. They may also begin to experience hallucinations and exhibit signs of dementia. These patients will need assistance in every area of daily life.
It is important to remember that Parkinson’s disease affects each patient differently. While some may remain in Stage 1 for years, others advance quickly. Some people might even skip one more stage of disease progression entirely.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but prescription medications, deep brain stimulation, and certain therapies will usually alleviate or lessen symptoms. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help people with Parkinson’s disease improve muscle strength and balance.
While Parkinson’s disease itself is not fatal, its debilitating effects do increase the potential for deadly complications. Because swallowing issues may cause aspiration of food or liquids into their lungs, pneumonia is the most common cause of death among people with Parkinson’s disease. Worsening mobility and balance problems also increase their risk for fatal falls.
Caring for Someone with Parkinson’s Disease
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease will change as the condition progresses.
Your loved one is likely to cope well on their own during the early stages, and may only require transportation to doctors’ appointments, social engagements, and shopping trips. But their dependence will inevitably grow, and at some point, they may need your help with daily personal tasks, medication management, making financial decisions, and advocating with healthcare providers on their behalf.
Parkinson’s disease places a significant burden on family caregivers, and they tend to suffer from higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep-related problems. These issues are even more common when Parkinson’s disease causes a loved one to experience dementia, hallucinations, and other cognitive issues.
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease can also result in social isolation, especially once the disorder reaches advanced stages. In some cases, caregivers reported that their increasing responsibilities led to tension with a spouse or partner. They were also more likely to report financial strain, especially if they reduced work hours or left their jobs entirely because of caregiving obligations.
Options for Parkinson’s Disease Care
These burdens can ultimately lead a family caregiver to explore alternatives for Parkinson’s disease care. Eventually, many decide to place their loved ones in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living or a nursing home.
Assisted living residents usually receive help with daily tasks, meal preparation, medication management, and escorts to doctors’ appointments. A nurse is onsite 24/7 and apartments are equipped with emergency call buttons so residents can summon help when necessary.
However, assisted living facilities generally aren’t equipped to care for people with severe mobility problems or advanced dementia. As a result, your loved one will likely be transferred to a skilled nursing facility once they reach the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, the expense of assisted living could quickly deplete their financial resources, limiting your choice of facilities to Medicaid nursing homes.
Nursing homes have their own issues. Even the best facilities tend to be understaffed, and few can provide the level of one-on-one care most people desire for their loved ones. Residents will be competing with each other for staff members’ limited attention, and those with advanced Parkinson’s disease may not be able to communicate in a way that ensures their needs are met. These same issues may also make Parkinson’s disease patients more vulnerable to physical or sexual abuse.
FCP Live-In Parkinson’s Disease Care
Fortunately, there is a better way.
FCP Live-In can ensure your loved one receives quality, one-on-one Parkinson’s disease care at home, where they already feel comfortable and secure while relieving the burden placed on you and other family caregivers.
Getting to know their live-in caregiver is the only adjustment your loved one will face. And because of our customized and thoughtful approach to every caregiver-client match, you can expect a smooth transition. In fact, many of our clients and their families eventually come to consider their FCP Live-In caregivers close and trusted friends!
Once in place, our experienced and compassionate caregiver will provide a range of non-medical assistance and support to ensure all of you loved one’s needs are met, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations:
- Plan and prepare nutritionally sound meals.
- Medication management.
- Routine, light housekeeping.
- Assistance with personal care, including bathing and toileting.
- Assistance with shopping.
- Transportation to doctors’ appointments or social engagements.
- Encouraging exercise, as directed by their health care provider.
- The opportunity to engage in fulfilling daily activities through FCP Live-In’s “Living Well Program.”
FCP Live-In can provide this care, in most circumstances, at every stage of Parkinson’s disease progression through end of life, and in coordination with your loved one’s other medical providers.
We always know who we’re sending into your home! In fact, every one of our live-in caregivers has undergone a strict screening and hiring process, is fully-credentialed as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, or personal care assistant, and provided with ongoing training.
At FCP Live-in, we understand that families depend on our expertise to provide quality care and experiences. If you’re ready to explore the BEST solution for Parkinson’s disease care, call 1 (866) 559-9492.
About FCP Live-In Parkinson’s Disease Care Services And Knowledgeable Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver
We have provided the ultimate solution for assisted Parkinson’s disease services since 1997. Our live-in Parkinson’s disease care services agency is committed to providing a unique and customized In-Home Parkinson’s disease care services approach to senior care with the goal of a lifestyle that provides enjoyment for the one in care, and families with peace of mind.
FCP Live-In is a Live-In Home Care company with over two decades of experience specializing in elderly care needs within the home. Our live-in caregiver staff provides an insurance policy of safe and supportive care, along with a 24/7 professional support system that is there for the client and the live-in caregiver at all times.
LINK: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease
LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23781007
LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4179947/