We provide in-home care for Michigan residents with Parkinson's Disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease at this time. However, there are treatments that can help individuals to manage the symptoms and slow down how quickly the disease progresses. The most common for of treatment is medication. A surgical treatment (called deep brain stimulation or DBS) is now also available. In DBS, electrodes are surgically implanted into the brain and these electrodes, once programmed, can greatly help to control some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Caring for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

When providing care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, it is important that the caregiver be able to recognize the symptoms of the disease, and support the safety and well-being of the individual. At Compassionate Care, we will provide these types of support for your loved one with Parkinson's Disease:

• Assist the individual with ambulation. The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect an individual’s ability to ambulate safely. Many individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience trembling, stiffness, slowed movements, poor balance and poor coordination.
• Provide safety and assistance with dressing. The tremors and stiffness often associated with Parkinson’s disease can make dressing especially challenging for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, the loss of balance and coordination can leave them prone to falls when stretching or straining to get dressed.
• Support safety with nutrition. Most people with Parkinson’s disease experience trembling in the hands and slowed muscle movements. This can make cooking especially difficult. Some also experience difficulty chewing and swallowing.
• Support communication. Many people with Parkinson’s disease experience difficulty speaking. The caregiver can offer support by taking a few simple steps.
• Promote medication safety. Most individuals with Parkinson’s disease will be taking medication daily and it is the responsibility of the caregiver to support medication safety.

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a ‘motor system disorder’ in which there is a loss dopamine-producing cells in the brain. This affects motor (muscle) activity. As a result, individuals with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty walking, talking and completing even simple tasks. This disease is more common in people over the age of 50.

For additional information on Parkinson’s disease, visit the National Institute of Health (www.ninds.nih.gov)