If your senior loved one has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may be contemplating hiring a home health care aide. In addition to helping you monitor your family member’s symptoms, an aide can also assist with daily chores and offer companionship. When dealing with this disease, consider the following common questions to determine the best form of assistance you can provide your loved one.

FAQ About Parkinson’s Disease

What are the symptoms?

Parkinson’s symptoms range from muscular issues to cognitive decline. The most common are tremors in the limbs, stiff muscles, difficulty standing or walking, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and general confusion or trouble understanding basic concepts. The symptoms aren’t fatal, but they can lead to certain complications. Trouble chewing, for example, means an increased risk of choking. In these cases, home health care is recommended to monitor your loved one for safety and complete their daily tasks.

Who does it impact?

It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. The biggest risk factor is age, with most individuals developing onset symptoms at 60 years of age. Additionally, Parkinson’s is 1.5 times more likely to impact men, which is attributed to higher exposure to risk factors like head trauma and pesticide use, as well as a lack of estrogen protecting the nervous system.

What treatments are available?

While there is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s, individuals often see success with a combination of solutions. Medication and surgery can be used to treat symptoms, such as tremors and cognitive decline. Exercise is recommended to help alleviate sore or stiff muscles, in addition to sleep disturbances.

How can you best communicate with a loved one with Parkinson’s?

Consistent interaction can help those with Parkinson’s avoid feelings of isolation, which is why a home health care aide is so benficial. If they have trouble speaking, stick to simple “yes” or “no” questions to keep them engaged. Remain patient, and let them finish sentences and thoughts on their own. Interjecting may make them feel frustrated and discouraged. You should ask them to restate something if you can’t understand, but don’t feel like you always have to talk. Just spending time together is enough to stave off loneliness.

Whether your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or requires other daily assistance, families in New York trust Lifetime Care. For more than 50 years, the professionals have offered an array of services to patients throughout the Finger Lakes region, including home health care and hospice. To learn more about how they can help you better provide for your loved one, visit them online or call (585) 214-1000 to reach their Rochester, NY, location.