Top Parkinson’s Treatment Strategies

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Top Parkinson’s Treatment Strategies

Parkinson’s is a central nervous system disorder that impacts everyone differently. However, there are treatments older adults can use to manage the condition and maintain a high quality of life. Continue reading to learn what you can do to provide adequate treatment for a senior loved one with Parkinson’s disease.

Medication Management

Most doctors prescribe medications, such as levodopa and dopamine agonists, to treat this progressive disorder. The objective of these medications is to increase the concentration of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, in your loved one’s body. Monitoring your parent’s prescriptions should be at the top of your caregiver task list. Ensuring your loved one takes medicine at the correct time and doesn’t overmedicate could enhance the treatment and slow the progression of Parkinson’s.

Healthy Eating

Consuming foods full of healthy nutrients can ease symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and increase independence. For example, older adults who eat plenty of fiber can reduce constipation, which is common in seniors with this disorder. A healthy diet for adults with Parkinson’s should also include omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of fluids to reduce cognitive problems, increase bone strength, and prevent malnourishment.

Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Exercise

Poor balance and reduced muscle strength are typical in seniors with Parkinson’s, but regular moderate exercise can increase flexibility and stability and enhance posture. Exercise can also reduce anxiety and stave off depression, which are additional problems older adults might face as Parkinson’s progresses. In addition to promoting physical activity, monitor your loved one’s movements, ensuring he or she stands up straight and avoids shuffling when possible. Your loved one should also avoid moving too quickly, which could damage his or her bones.

Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional Clearwater Home Care seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Stress Management

Reducing stress can prevent motor symptoms from getting worse and stop the disease from progressing. Some of the best ways for older adults to manage stress include staying socially active, listening to music, and maintaining their resilience. Your parent should also practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. Building a supportive network of family and friends to rely on for assistance can also reduce stress and strengthen overall wellbeing.

Home Modifications

Keeping your loved one’s house free of clutter, adding grab bars and adequate lighting throughout the home, and removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and electrical cords is a great way to treat Parkinson’s. These home modifications could prevent falls and allow your loved one to move around better. Falling becomes more common for older adults during the later stages of the disease, and falls could lead to traumas that increase the risk of dementia and other health conditions. Ask your loved one’s doctor about other home modifications your family should make to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Clearwater home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

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