Taking Care Of A Loved One With Parkinson's Disease

​Do you have a family member or friend who has Parkinson's disease? You're not the only one who feels this way. This disease affects about 10 million people all over the world.

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by a breakdown in the brain's ability to govern movements.

Sadly, Parkinson's disease is a chronic, incurable disease. On the other hand, treatment can often be used to manage it for a long time. People with Parkinson's disease may grow more reliant on their caretakers over time.

It can be difficult to see a loved one have Parkinson's disease, but there are ways to assist them. Learn what to do, what to avoid, and how to look after your health.

Know The Symptoms
When it comes to caring for someone with Parkinson's disease, knowledge is your most effective weapon. The first thing you need to learn is how to see the warning signs, which is especially important early on. 

Generally, the loss of motor abilities is the most noticeable indication of Parkinson's disease. However, in the early stages of Parkinson's, people's emotions are likely to be completely under their control.

The following are the most prevalent symptoms of Parkinson's disease:

• Tremors in the arms or legs 
• Having trouble walking
• Losing the ability to make facial emotions
• Muscle rigidity or stiffness 
• Changes in cognition
• Swallowing problems

Parkinson's Disease Management
Parkinson's disease is usually treated with a mix of therapy and medication. Surgery may be required in some circumstances. Additionally, Parkinson's disease may also be treated with the drug Levodopa.

It's frequently combined with other medications to treat symptoms that impair a person's mobility. It does, however, have adverse effects that a caregiver must be aware of.

Keeping Your Home Safe
Parkinson's disease causes a person's mobility to deteriorate as the disease progresses. They'll require greater support in their daily activities. It may also become more difficult for them to get around their house safely.

Here are a few things you can do to make your house more accessible to someone who has Parkinson's disease:
Maintain a clean floor
Electrical cords and other items that can potentially trip over on your home's floors should be kept out of sight. Maintain as much of their normal course through the house as possible

Install Ramps If Needed
A person's mobility may become limited in the later stages of Parkinson's disease when using a wheelchair. If this happens, it's critical to make your home wheelchair-friendly and accessible.

Secure Your Bathroom
If you have a bathtub, install grab bars and anti-slip mats. Maintain easy access to personal hygiene goods to avoid slipping or falling over while reaching for them.

Final Words
If a family member has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you're likely to be overwhelmed with emotions and questions regarding its progression and your part in it.

Learning about the disease might assist you in comprehending it and preparing for the journey ahead. Remember to be nice to yourself during the process and seek help and support when you need it.

At Arnold, Bruce & Doerfler Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at  (503) 222-1951. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE. Coverage discussed in this article is not guaranteed. Please contact our agents today to ensure that your needs are being met and learn more about your policy. We are happy to help!