Resources and Tips for Seniors Living With Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's affects more than 10 million people worldwide and nearly 1 million in the United States. While it remains a rare disease, it is still one many seniors and their families have to live with.
Most people diagnosed with Parkinson's are older, and living with the disease involves dealing with the various symptoms, both the movement symptoms (including the classic tremor) and the non-movement symptoms such as cognitive and digestive changes.
Fortunately, there are good resources out there for seniors living with Parkinson's. They include:
Books, Podcasts and VideoCasts
Educational resources for people with Parkinson's and their families come in all formats. Particularly useful is the Parkinson's society podcast Substantial Matters. The American Parkinson Disease Association has a series of webinars for patients and families. Some of which are available in Spanish.
These resources can help you with tips for daily life, and also help you learn about potential new treatments and clinical trials.
Support Groups
Most areas have a support group for Parkinson's patients and/or their families. The American Parkinson Disease Association has local chapters across the country, and there may be other support groups in your area.
As not every support group is right for everyone, you might have problems finding a suitable support group. Here are some tips for starting your own. Alternatively, there are a variety of online support groups and forums, and there are also Facebook groups for people with Parkinson's, many of which are local to specific areas.
Assistive Devices
Movement symptoms can cause problems with all kinds of activities of daily living. This can reduce independence (and thus self-esteem). There is a variety of assistive devices available for people with Parkinson's to help them continue to do things on their own for as long as possible. Some people with Parkinson's may eventually find they need a wheelchair.
Your doctor can give you a written prescription for assistive devices that will let you take a deduction on your taxes. Appropriate assistive devices include:
- Toilet safety rails with armrests to help you get in and out of the toilet and also sit for grooming activities.
- Electric toothbrushes are particularly useful for people with Parkinson's, as are electric razors.
- A shower chair is a good investment (and the rest of the family might appreciate it too).
- Elevated toilet seat.
- Sock aides (these allow you to pull up your socks without bending over).
- Long-handled shoe horns for pulling shoes on.
- Adaptive cutting boards that hold items in place while cutting.
- Weighted or electric knives.
- Utensils with thick handles. There are also tremor-reducing eating utensils available. These are more expensive, but many patients value them.
- A plate guard to help you get food onto your spoon or fork.
Exercise Plans
Exercise has been demonstrated to slow the progression of Parkinson's. However, there is no specific exercise that's proven to be particularly helpful. Instead, you should talk to your doctor about continuing workout activities you love or potential alternatives if your sport or hobby carries, say, too much of fall risk.
Some exercises might help with specific symptoms. For example:
- Balance: Tai chi, yoga, seated aerobic exercises
- Coordination and agility: Dancing, boxing.
- Dystonia: Water aerobics, walking, stretching.
If you aren't sure, talk to your neurologist about finding a physical therapist who specializes in Parkinson's or a personal trainer qualified to work with you.
A Home Aide
A home aide or paid caregiver can make a huge difference for people with Parkinson's and their families. A paid caregiver will take some of the burden off of families and caregiver partners. Reducing tension and the risk of relationship problems. However, you need to find a home aide who is specifically trained for Parkinson's.
Senior Helpers has a specialized Parkinson's Care program for you or your loved ones. Our caregivers are trained to follow a unique care plan developed by Senior Helpers for you or your loved ones that takes into account the progression of the disease and you or your loved one's needs and personality. To find out more about how we can help you or your loved one with Parkinson's, contact Senior Helpers today or call 414-404-9933.