Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that currently affects almost one million people in the U.S. With symptoms ranging from slight tremors to complete loss of mobility, Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that breaks down brain cells over time. Although roughly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year, there are still misconceptions surrounding the disease. If you’re a family member providing care for an aging loved one with Parkinson’s, the following are three common misconceptions about the disease you should be aware of.
1. There’s Only One Type of Parkinson’s Disease
There’s no single type of Parkinson’s, and each diagnosis is going to be different. The disease is often classified in stages, ranging from mild to advanced, and it can develop slowly or at a rapid pace. Caregivers who understand the uniqueness of their loved one’s diagnosis can ensure proper treatment and care are provided.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
2. Parkinson’s Cannot Be Treated
Because there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, many people falsely assume there’s no way to treat the disease. While research and clinical trials are being performed every day to find a cure, there are medications to help with the symptoms that arise.
Along with medication, there are numerous lifestyle changes that can be made, such as reducing stress and participating in a variety of enjoyable activities, which have been shown to boost quality of life. Parkinson’s specialists also recommend seniors enlist the help of professional caregivers to better address their symptoms as the disease progresses.
In-home caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for seniors with Parkinson’s. Families looking for top-rated Rhode Island senior home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
3. Parkinson’s Is Terminal
There are numerous accounts of individuals who are able to live with this condition for years. While Parkinson’s doesn’t directly result in a terminal diagnosis, as symptoms worsen, complications such as pneumonia and other pulmonary conditions can arise, threatening the senior’s health and sometimes becoming fatal. For both seniors who have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s as well as their caregivers, it’s of the utmost importance to monitor any complications that arise to ensure they’re treated with the appropriate medications and medical attention.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Rhode Island Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.