Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls muscle movement. At Freedom Eldercare, our specially trained caregivers possess vast knowledge and an understanding of Parkinson’s that helps them stay in tune with each client’s needs. We are highly committed to educating our compassionate caregivers on the symptoms of proper Parkinson’s disease management. We discuss the early signs that include a blank look, shaky hands, decreased arm swinging, stooped posture, shorter walking steps, weakness, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
In addition to these early signs, Parkinson’s disease has four main symptoms. They are tremors, rigid limbs and trunk, slowness of movement, and poor balance and coordination. While we spend a great deal of time educating our caregivers to recognize these symptoms, we spend just as much time helping them understand that they vary from one patient to the next and to not expect that every client will exhibit all the major symptoms.
Specialized Caregiver Training
We provide specialized training for our caregivers so they better understand how to care for clients with Parkinson’s disease. This training includes:
- Learning about this neurological disease
- Understanding how the face is affected and thinking is slowed
- Identifying signs of depression that accompany the disease
- Studying the complicated medication regimen
- Realizing there may be changes in how patients respond to treatment over time
- Practicing safety techniques when sitting, standing and walking
- Utilizing special dressing techniques that take balance and rigidity into consideration
- Avoiding falls by keeping pathways clear
- Knowing what to do when the patient freezes
How Our Trained Caregivers Can Help
Parkinson’s disease is a very complicated and diverse disease. Individual patients differ in severity, symptoms and treatment. Our caregivers are trained in disease management and know how to identify the many risks associated with unanticipated stiffening that can cause other motion challenges and risks of falling. They also know how to anticipate a weakening voice and bouts of depression. Most importantly, they understand how to compassionately deal with issues of safety, pain and dignity.
How Our Registered Nurses and Social Workers Can Help
- Explain the symptoms and progression of the disease
- Remind clients of the importance of frequent doctor visits to report changes
- Discuss the value of physical, speech and occupational therapy
- Educate families that individuals with Parkinson’s disease have different symptoms and experiences
- Describe how medicines that treat the disease are determined by trial and error, which can be challenging
- Help client and their family understand why motor fluctuations occur and the meaning of “wearing off” and “on/off” time
- Refer family and patient to the appropriate health care resources
How Our Geriatric Care Managers Can Help
- Address the feelings, stress and guilt clients and their families feel
- Arrange for physician ordered therapies
- Discuss the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and persevering while managing this long-term disease
- Monitor depression in the client and report concerns to their doctor and family
- Review the importance of financial and legal planning, and refer to appropriate professionals
- Identify resources, support groups, websites, and references for client and their family
