Home Care for Parkinson's Patients
Parkinson's disease is a progressive breakdown of cells(neurons) of the nervous system, giving rise to disorders characterized by automotive decline and slurred speed. Research shows that Parkinson's disease results from a decline in dopamine levels due to the death of neurons that produce the neurotransmitter. Although there is no specific cause of Parkinson's disease, there are underlying predisposing factors. Some of these factors are genetically related, age-related, and environmentally related.
That said, a person with Parkinson's disease will most likely experience tremors in the hand. The tremor can start on the left hand, slowly, then move to the right hand. Often, these tremors may not appear as tremors; progressively, instead, they may appear as stiffness in the arm or slow movement of the hands. It explains why some patients who have Parkinson's disease may experience tremors in their hands while others experience slowed movement or stiffness of the hands.
Aside from these, there are other ways of identifying Parkinson's disease:
- Impaired posture or balance.
- Slurred speech
- Decreased ability to perform unconscious movements.
- Bradykinesia
- Cramped handling.
- Loss of ability to smell.
- Frequent constipation.
- Loss of facial expression.
Caring for Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Cells of the body have regenerative abilities and can regenerate even though they are sloughed off, or they are destroyed. A perfect example of cells like this is the epithelial cells( on the skin).
On the other hand, some cells do not have regenerative abilities; hence, they do not get replaced if damaged or destroyed. An example of cells like that is the neurons(nervous system cells).
Neurons control several coordinator functions in the body; thus, any damage will affect coordination in the affected individuals. Because neurons cannot be replaced if damaged, it is difficult to treat Parkinson's disease. However, there are medical procedures to help manage Parkinson's disease.
One of these procedures is using drugs that help boost dopamine levels. A common drug that doctors prescribe for this is Levodopa. Levodopa acts as an artificial dopamine source for the body. It is administered in its inactive form and transformed into dopamine. Another drug doctors prescribe for Parkinson's treatment is carbidopa. Carbidopa functions just like levodopa; that is, it is converted to dopamine in the brain, too, for bodily functions.
It is strongly advised that one purchase, on the doctor's prescription, both levodopa and carbidopa to aid interchangeable usage of both drugs to prevent addiction to one of the drugs. Further, one can use either of the drugs to alleviate the side effects of either of the drugs. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting.
Home Care Treatment for Parkinson's Patients
It is common to find patients with Parkinson's disease have Impaired posture and balance, making them susceptible to falling and getting injured. To prevent this, it is essential that caregivers do the following:
Clear the Floor
Remove footstools, rugs, and any objects that can cause tripping in the home. You can also remove wires and cables and ensure the floor is always dry to prevent patients from slipping and getting injured.
Secure the stairs
To secure the stairs, you can begin by installing rails on both sides of the stairs to provide support. You can also install ramps for unavoidable stairs.
Simplify their Dressing
Patients who have Parkinson's disease always struggle with zippers and buttons. Thus, it is safe to provide zipper pulls and button aids for them to use. Better still, replace their shoes and clothes with elasticated closures to simplify their dressing.
Use communication techniques
Parkinson's disease can affect speech and communication; thus, it is important to understand how to communicate with people suffering from it. If it is challenging for you to do so, a caregiver is always available to help you.
The caregiver will use specialized techniques to improve communication, such as speaking slowly using visual cues and encouraging the patient to communicate in other ways, such as writing or gestures.
Speaking of caregivers, caregivers are trained personnel that have coined the art and act of caring for aged persons. Of course, the quality of caregivers differs from different caregivers' homes; it is why we at Ezra Home Care focus on delivering top-notch services.
Providing In-Home Care for Parkinson's Patients
It can be challenging to care for people who have Parkinson's disease, which is why we strongly recommend that you visit an aged care home. At Ezra Home Care, our Parkinson’s caregivers focus on these core elements in caring for Parkinson's patients at home:
