If your elderly loved one has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he or she can continue to live a happy and healthy life with the right support. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Consider Long-Term Care
The rate Parkinson’s disease progresses can vary from person to person, and the uncertainty of what to expect can cause a great deal of worry for both seniors and their family caregivers. Sit down with your loved one as soon as possible after the diagnosis to talk about his or her wishes and make plans for future assistance. This is the perfect time to start looking into home care agencies that can shoulder some of the caregiving responsibilities and help your loved one remain at home and live independently.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Miami families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Research Treatment Options
Though medications like levodopa remain the gold standard for Parkinson’s treatment, many new therapies are being developed. Encourage your loved one to consult with a Parkinson’s specialist as soon as possible after the diagnosis to discuss which options may be best. Establishing a treatment plan early on can slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Start Therapy
Lifestyle modifications can help your loved one maintain independence and regain a sense of control over his or her life. Exercise and physical therapy can combat the loss of balance and muscle control, and cognitive therapy and counseling can help your loved one overcome depression and other psychological effects of a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Focus on the Positive
In most cases, Parkinson’s symptoms progress slowly enough to allow seniors to find ways to adapt. There are a variety of assistive devices that can make it easier to perform daily activities and remain independent. Start by checking online resources that can help you anticipate problems and come up with solutions. Support groups can also be a valuable source of information for caregivers.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Miami Beach home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a free in-home consultation.
