Ways for Your Elderly Relative with Parkinson’s to Improve Daily Living

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Ways a Senior with Parkinson's Can Improve Daily Life

Parkinson’s is, unfortunately, not an entirely uncommon health issue among the elderly, typically occurring in people between 50 and 60 years of age, and symptoms can include difficulty with mobility, swallowing and performing manual tasks. Understandably, these can significantly hinder the ability to function in everyday life, but there are simple things your senior loved one can do to improve their daily living. Home Care Assistance, a top provider of home Care Clearwater families trust, offers the following suggestions.

Daily Exercise
Encouraging your loved one to follow an exercise regimen may help them be more independent. Studies have found that light daily exercises can improve many Parkinson’s issues, such as tremor, coordination, and muscle strength. Even small improvements in these areas can have a dramatically positive effect on your loved one’s ability to get around and do things for themselves, increasing their self-esteem in addition to their independence.

Easy to Eat Food
Difficulty chewing and swallowing can make eating an unpleasant task for people with Parkinson’s. One way to make this safer, easier, and more enjoyable is to cut solid foods into more manageable pieces so it’s easier to eat. Also, suggest incorporating soft foods, like oatmeal, yogurt, pudding, pureed soups and mashed potatoes into his or her daily diet. These foods require little effort to chew and present a much smaller choking hazard. In addition, recommend keeping a glass of milk or water nearby during every meal. Helping your loved one find new foods they like that are easy to eat, and making the foods they already enjoy easier to eat, will help them look forward to meals each day instead of dreading them.

Socializing
Parkinson’s can be an isolating disease. Getting out of the house becomes more difficult, and PD can, understandably, provoke feelings of depression and loneliness. However, research has shown that regular social interaction can greatly improve mood in people with Parkinson’s. Many experts suggest finding others with Parkinson’s or attending patient support groups. Interacting with people in their same situation can help your loved one feel less alone and more in control of their life.

If you’re interested in learning more about Parkinson’s home care in Clearwater, reach out to the senior care experts at Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers are highly-trained, subjected to extensive background checks, and available 24/7.  And, because we know your loved one’s care needs can change without notice, we never require you to sign a long-term contract. Call a Care Manager at (727) 330-7862 who can address any questions or concerns you may have, or schedule your free in-home consultation.

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