Parkinson's Care

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition which affects movement. A reduction in the number and functioning of brain nerve cells causes a deficiency in specific chemicals and this affects the brain’s ability to transmit information.

There are no specific tests to diagnose Parkinson’s disease that currently exist. If you are conscious that you are potentially suffering from the disease, you should see a specially trained Nervous System Conditions Doctor (Neurologist). The Neurologist can then diagnose Parkinson’s Disease based on your signs, symptoms, physical examination and medical history. The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s are:

• Tremor (shaking)
• Slowness of movement
• Rigidity (stiffness)
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Eye problems
• Falls and dizziness
• Freezing
• Pain
• Restless legs syndrome
• Skin, scalp and sweating problems
• Problems with sleep
• Speech and communication problems
• Problems with swallowing

During the initial stages of Parkinson’s, the symptoms are usually mild and treatment is not necessary. However, it’s important to be in regular contact with your specialist so your condition can be monitored closely. A specific care plan should be agreed with your healthcare team and your family or carers.

Most people with Parkinson’s start to develop symptoms when they’re over 50, although around 1 in 20 people with the condition first experience symptoms when they’re under 40. Men are slightly more likely to get Parkinson’s disease than women.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease are usually diagnosed around the age of 60. Although those suffering from the disease often face a somewhat shorter lifespan compared to healthy individuals of the same age group – many people live up to 20 years after diagnosis. 

At Trinity Homecare we are passionate believers that it is entirely possible to live an enriched and happy lifestyle with Parkinson’s disease. A compassionate TrinityCarer can enter your life to provide a heartfelt helping hand and guide you on your life’s journey.

Currently, there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are several therapies and treatments that can make living with Parkinson’s disease easier to deal with. In order to control the symptoms on a day to day basis:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy 
• Speech and language therapy 
• Diet and nutritional advice 
• Medication (refer to a specialist to find the most appropriate for your condition) 
• Deep brain stimulation 

Parkinson’s disease affects all sufferers differently. Not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences identical combinations of symptoms – as they often vary from individual to individual. It’s common for symptoms to change from day to day, and in certain circumstances hour to hour. For this reason, it’s difficult to put timescales on Parkinson’s progression. 

However, for many people, the condition can take years to progress to the point where Parkinson’s has a serious impact on day to day life. Following diagnosis, mild symptoms can often take years to progress.

The main Parkinson’s symptoms directly impact physical movement. The most common Parkinson’s sign is tremors or general shaking that usually begins in the arms or hands.

As time passes, it can become harder to perform everyday tasks as physical movements become slower. This is known as Bradykinesia, often resulting in a distinctive and small stepped shuffling walk.

Muscle stiffness and tension can also occur in the muscles which makes it more difficult for sufferers to move around, walk and make facial expressions. Severe cases can also result in painful muscle cramps known as dystonia.

Other physical Parkinson’s symptoms includes loss of automatic movements such as blinking and smiling. If your loved one is struggling to express their emotions, do not take this personally as this may be out of their control. Changes in speech can also make it harder for Parkinson’s sufferers to communicate efficiently as words may become slurred.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may also face posture and balance problems as it becomes harder to control general movement. This means there’s a greater risk of injury through falling – it would be ideal for severe Parkinson’s sufferers to have support around at all times to prevent accidents.

Another symptom of Parkinson’s disease is swallowing, chewing and eating problems that appear in various different forms. The body can easily become malnourished as natural appetite decreases and it is harder to prepare food for oneself. Having a helping hand around to safely provide nutritious daily meals can improve the overall health for those with Parkinson’s whilst dramatically decreasing the risk of danger.

Parkinson’s sufferers may also face sleeping problems such as insomnia, in return this can cause excessive sleepiness throughout the day time and general fatigue, making it harder to perform everyday tasks.

If you are struggling to maintain personal hygiene and complete important household tasks then it would be highly recommended to consider live-in or visiting care services. One to one support and specialist care tailored around individual needs can greatly enrich a Parkinson’s sufferers quality of life and improve overall happiness.

Depression is common for those with Parkinson’s as the uncertainty can lead to decreases in mental health. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in these circumstances. There are many areas of support and treatment that can help you overcome this and become stronger – be sure to discuss this with your GP.

Trinity recommend that those who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease continually discuss the severity with a general practitioner. The GP can then decide upon potential solutions to your problems. If you are facing thinking difficulties or confusion then you should reach out for help instantly. A lack of awareness of what’s happening in your close surroundings can substantially increase the chances of injury and danger.