When you are sick, your doctor usually gives you a set of diagnostic tests. The doctor gives you medications as per the report(s), and you feel better in a couple of days after taking medicine. Sadly, everyone isn’t as lucky. Only about one in sixty people with PD receive a conclusive diagnosis. However, in people with Parkinson’s disease, the midbrain incurs extensive nerve cell damage. Their dopamine levels drop and slow down their movement, increases stiffness and predisposition to falls.
How can you understand if your loved one needs assisted living?
Due to the lack of diagnostic parameters, many people are unable to ask for the help they need. You need to look for signs of the disease in your parents, grandparents or any senior citizen you care about –
-
Muscle Stiffness
-
Slow movement
-
Trembling (mostly limbs)
-
Compromised balance
Parkinson’s is one of the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorders that demands specialized care. Other daily challenges include –
-
Skin problems
-
Depression
-
Disruptions during sleep
-
Difficulties during chewing and swallowing
This form of neurodegenerative disorder interferes with movement and coordination. Patients with Parkinson often face trouble talking, walking and daily chores that require moving about. Although, no test detects Parkinson’s, these signs and symptoms in senior adults are reason enough to seek specialized care for them in the post-retirement years.
Why are assisted living facilities better than home living for people with PD?
Some adults with PD perform well under assisted living for Parkinson’s. These homes provide 24/7 assistance to the patient for everyday work. There is expert help on standby for any emergency. These assistance homes have panels of special buttons that send out emergency SOS calls. Private housing and personal nurses are always options for seniors with PD, but those are costly options. Setting up a Parkinson’s-friendly living facility for a senior member of the family, and with hiring at least one full-time qualified nurse at home, costs a fortune.
How do the special facilities help with Parkinson’s care?
Moreover, isolation is always another significant challenge in seniors living in their old homes and apartments. The senior living communities allow the residents to bond, make new friends, establish new routines and keep themselves busy. Many of the dementia long-term care facilities for the elderly population have special workout routines that delay the progress of the muscle degradation, increases physical fitness and helps break the ice. Social activities, outdoor activities in groups and bonding exercises help the senior residents lead a healthy and prosperous life inside the specialized care facilities for Parkinson’s patients.
Why does your loved one with Parkinson’s deserve assisted living?
People who have Parkinson’s also suffer from daytime sleepiness, excessive pain, and stiffness of muscles, confusion, visual hallucinations, and compulsive behavior problems. These stand in the way of quality living and a productive lifestyle. With a little help, your parents or grandparents can now live a happy life. The effect of PD on the elderly population may be devastating, but you can always make it a little easy on your loved one by choosing the best senior care facility for them.