April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, so we’re outlining the basics of Parkinson’s and how Assisted Living Communities can benefit those suffering with this disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
In simple terms, Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that typically limits movement in those affected. It develops over time with symptoms gradually worsening. While there is currently no cure, there are medications that treat symptoms to help manage the disease.
Some of the most common characteristics of the disease are:
- Tremors
- Difficulty with movement
- Rigid muscles
- Posture and balance issues
- Speech changes
- Dementia
- Loss of automatic movement
Researchers have not yet uncovered one specific cause of Parkinson’s, but they speculate that genetic and environmental factors contribute.
If you’d like to read more about Parkinson’s Disease from a reliable source, check out the Mayo Clinic’s overview of the disease.
How Can Assisted Living Help Parkinson’s Patients?
The best assisted living communities were established with the goal of helping those having difficulty living on their own thrive. They offer helping with everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, housekeeping, medications, cooking, 24/7 emergency care, and keeping up with social and physical activity.
Many communities also offer transportation to and from appointments, physical therapy, hospice care, and specialized care for people suffering with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Specifically for Parkinson’s patients, assisted living communities can help them remain as autonomous as possible while assisting with daily activities like dressing, bathing, avoiding falls, medication management, physical therapy, and help getting to and from appointments with medical service providers, as needed.
A quality assisted living community will not only provide assistance, but will also provide enriching experiences with a full social calendar, opportunities to get out in nature, go on fun trips, and otherwise enjoy life to the fullest possible.
What are Important Questions to Ask When Considering an Assisted Living Community?
- Is it licensed?
- Are the staff properly trained?
- Is there access to physical therapy?
- Is the community designed to help those with balance, orientation, and memory issues thrive?
- What do others have to say about the community?
- Is the community set up to effectively handle a disease that will get progressively worse over time?
- Is there 24/7 care staff on-site?
- What personal care services are provided, such as bathing, dressing, shopping etc.?
- Can the community cooking staff accommodate a special diet, if needed?
These questions only scratch the surface of those that should be considered, but they’re a great starting point if you’re considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one dealing with Parkinson’s Disease.
Personal preferences in regards to social and recreational activities may also be something to consider. Location, size of the community, and the friendliness of the staff are also things to take into consideration.
We invite you to set up an appointment to come in and see our community for yourself. Click here to contact us.