Parkinson’s Disease and Home Care in Calgary

Home Care Blog  |  October 5, 2016

Parkinson’s Disease and Senior Home Care

Parkinson’s Disease and Home Care | Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that slowly erodes an individual’s ability to care for themselves. Parkinson’s does not have a standard set of symptoms and each person’s experience with Parkinson’s is unique. What is common is that the disease affects the body’s ability to control muscle movements. This may result in tremors, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking, and an inability to perform any task requiring fine motor skills. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, and its progressive nature ensures that it is highly debilitating.

The good news is that progress has been made in the treatment of many of Parkinson’s symptoms, which can greatly increase a senior’s quality of life. For seniors who choose to remain at home and age in place, home care in Calgary can provide the extra support needed, especially in the later stages of the disease.

A primary goal for home care in Calgary is effective medication management, as many of the treatments involve numerous medications. Since they target specific parts of the body’s neurology, the medications need to be taken at exact times in exact amounts. Parkinson’s tremors and muscle rigidity makes it very hard to open bottles, draw up medication, etc, thus most seniors will require help with their Parkinson’s treatments. Because of the potency of the medication and the number of possible drug interactions, it is also very important to keep careful records. Home care in Calgary provides this support.

In addition to medication, alternative therapies are also available. Many seniors find relief through acupuncture, and many others find meditation to be of great benefit. Since mobility and muscle movement is such a serious concern with Parkinson’s, exercise is an invaluable part in the treatment process. A growing body of research suggests that exercise may be more powerful than medication in slowing Parkinson’s progression. Some of the most effective exercises include Tai Chi, yoga, and Pilates since they focus on strength, flexibility and balance. Water sports such as swimming and water aerobics are also helpful since the water’s buoyancy aids in balance.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease and Home Care

Parkinson’s is a degenerative, neurological disorder without a cure. To maximize your loved one’s quality of life, home care in Calgary can provide support with daily living tasks, medication management, and companion care. If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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