Can I Take Care of My Loved One With Parkinson’s Disease at Home?

When your loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a common and understandable question arises: "Can I really manage their care at home?" The thought of caring for someone with a progressive condition like Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. It brings with it the emotional burden of witnessing a loved one’s decline, coupled with the physical challenges of providing the support they need.

However, home care is possible with the right adjustments, support, and professional assistance. Home can remain the safest and most comfortable place for your loved one, especially when equipped with the right resources and help.

Read on to explore how you can confidently care for your loved one at home and how professional caregivers can make a significant difference in easing your journey.

What Kind of Help Will My Loved One Need?

Parkinson’s disease affects everyone differently, but one thing remains the same: it’s progressive. This means symptoms generally worsen over time. The level of assistance required for your loved one will depend on the stage of Parkinson's disease they are in. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the levels of support they may need as the disease progresses:

• Stage 1: Minimal Assistance

  At this stage, symptoms are mild and your loved one may still function independently. Support needed could include simple tasks like medication reminders or help with mobility aids like walkers or canes.Example: John, a 68-year-old with early-stage Parkinson's, may need a caregiver to remind him to take his medication and help him with balance while using a walker.

  
  

• Stage 2: Increased Assistance

  As Parkinson’s progresses, tasks like dressing, grooming, and balance become more challenging. Your loved one may require more frequent assistance with these activities.Example: Margaret, a 74-year-old woman in stage 2, needs help getting dressed and managing her balance while walking, requiring assistance from a caregiver several times a day.

  
  

• Stage 3: Daily Support

  By this stage, everyday activities such as walking, eating, and hygiene become much more difficult. Assistance with tasks like eating and personal hygiene becomes essential to ensure they maintain dignity and comfort.Example: Tom, a 70-year-old in stage 3, struggles with eating and may require hand-over-hand assistance at meals to ensure he is nourished properly.

• Stage 4: Significant Mobility Decline

  At this stage, mobility is greatly affected, and your loved one will likely need help with nearly every aspect of daily life, including personal care.Example: Helen, a 79-year-old in stage 4, requires full assistance for feeding and mobility, including hand-on support for walking and navigating the home safely.

• Stage 5: Full Care Required

  At this advanced stage, individuals typically require full-time support for all daily activities, including toileting, feeding, and mobility.Example: Earl, an 83-year-old, needs constant care for basic tasks, from eating and toileting to mobility assistance, and likely requires 24-hour care.

Understanding these stages helps you plan for the care your loved one needs, and it’s important to acknowledge that seeking help is not only acceptable but necessary. Over time, the care required can become overwhelming, and that’s where professional assistance becomes crucial.

How Can You Prepare Your Home for Parkinson’s Care?

The right environment can make a world of difference in providing effective Parkinson’s care at home. Because Parkinson’s disease often affects balance and coordination, fall prevention becomes a top priority. Simple changes in the home can greatly reduce the risk of falls and injuries, which are common challenges for seniors with Parkinson’s.

Here are some practical steps to ensure your home is safe for your loved one:

• Install Grab Bars and a Shower Bench: These additions help with bathing and prevent falls in the bathroom, which is often a high-risk area. Ensure grab bars are securely installed near the toilet and in the shower.

  
  

• Add Railings Along Hallways and Staircases: Extra support in areas where balance may be an issue can provide stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Keep Frequently Used Items Within Easy Reach: Place essential items, such as medication, glasses, and the phone, within arm’s reach so your loved one doesn’t have to strain or reach for them.

• Use Nightlights for Dark Pathways: Light up hallways and bathrooms to avoid tripping at night. Nightlights can illuminate frequently traveled paths, making it easier to navigate in the dark.

• Remove Clutter and Secure Loose Rugs: Avoid tripping hazards by ensuring that all loose rugs are removed or secured with non-slip backing, and keep walkways clear of obstacles.

These simple adjustments can help maintain your loved one’s independence, prevent falls, and provide you with peace of mind, knowing that their environment is as safe as possible.

How Can AmoryCare Help with Parkinson’s Care?

You don’t have to face Parkinson’s care alone. At AmoryCare New Jersey, our experienced caregivers specialize in supporting seniors with Parkinson’s disease, helping them maintain their dignity and independence. We offer non-medical support for both your loved one and your family, such as:

• Transportation and Errands: Our caregivers can drive your loved one to appointments, run errands, and ensure they maintain social connections.

• Assisting with Feeding, Grooming, and Bathing: From helping with daily hygiene to preparing meals, we ensure your loved one’s personal care needs are met.

• Guiding Safe Mobility and Fall Prevention: Our caregivers are trained in mobility assistance, helping your loved one move safely around the home.

• Preparing Meals Tailored to Their Needs: We prepare nutritious meals that cater to specific dietary needs, ensuring your loved one stays well-nourished.

• Offering Companionship to Combat Isolation: Parkinson’s disease can cause social isolation. Our caregivers provide companionship and engage in activities to help your loved one stay emotionally supported.

• Monitoring Health Changes: Our team keeps a close eye on any changes in your loved one’s health, immediately notifying you of any concerns or symptoms that may need attention.

What sets us apart is that our caregivers don’t just provide help—they become an extension of your family, offering additional support while allowing you to maintain balance in your own life.

Caring for Someone With Parkinson’s at Home Is Possible

Taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s disease at home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own well-being. With the right tools, preparation, and professional help, you can create a safe, nurturing environment for your loved one without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re ready to explore how AmoryCare can assist in your loved one’s care, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us show you how we can support your family in every step of this journey, offering compassion and care tailored to the unique needs of those with Parkinson’s disease.