What do you need to know about Parkinson’s care in London?
Getting the news that a loved one has a difficult medical condition is never easy. However, you are not alone and there is help available to ensure that your family can adapt.
Parkinson’s care from Patricia White’s might mean occasional, drop-in care, respite care or a live in option. We cover difficult times or perhaps times when you are away and cannot provide your normal card to your loved one. Whatever you need, we craft the right care package in consultation with you and your family member.
What does Parkinson’s look like?
People are typically diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their 50s but some find out even earlier. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s although there are some things that can help with the progression of the disease. These can include anything from dietary changes to physical therapy routines.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, stiffness and pain, slow movements and balance issues. All of these can make daily life more difficult. Parkinson’s is a progressive condition which has 5 recognisable stages. These are monitored and tracked by your loved one’s medical team and will give you an indicator of what to expect as things move on.
Working with the changes
During the early stages of Parkinson’s, your loved one will usually be able to manage many of their day-to-day tasks. However, it can be helpful to start getting Parkinson’s care started at this point. This allows them to get used to their carer, new routines and the changes that come with professional support before they are also dealing with later, more difficult stages of the disease.
The team at Patricia White’s can support you and your family on this journey. We offer adaptable care plans that change with your circumstances.
What extra skills are required for Parkinson’s care?
Engaging carers with specific skills is vital if your loved one is living with Parkinson’s. In the later stages, there may be complicated medication regimes to follow as well as an increased need to knowledgeably monitor symptoms.
Enhanced personal care is also usually required. This may include help using the bathroom or support with catheter or commode use. Lifting is usually a key part of this care and your carer needs training and skills to be able to do this.
Perhaps one of the most important skills that your Parkinson’s care provider can offer is regular social contact and encouragement to keep doing everyday things. Living with a debilitating condition comes with psychological challenges as well. These can tend towards the negative but the right kind of positive support can make a big difference.
Looking forward
At Patricia White’s, we believe that a life-changing diagnosis, like Parkinson’s, can still mean that you have consistency and stability in your life. Whilst the body unavoidably changes, routines and activities can remain consistent for as long as possible with the right support.
How can we help you?
At Patricia White’s, we are dedicated to our clients and providing exemplary homecare for those who need it most. If you want to find out more about our care services, then please get in touch with us. You can speak to a member of our expert team and they will be more than happy to answer any questions.
