Seniors with Parkinson’s who learn to manage their symptoms can continue to live healthy lives and slow the progression of the disease. They need to speak with their family caregivers and medical providers to develop proper care plans and remain motivated to push forward even when facing various challenges. Continue reading to learn what your elderly loved one with Parkinson’s can do to live a normal life after being diagnosed.
Stay Physically Active
When it comes to slowing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, elderly people need to exercise more, whether they’re walking on treadmills or riding bikes through their neighborhoods. Staying physically active can increase balance, posture, and flexibility, which decreases the risk of falls and other complications. Exercising can also stave off changes in the brain caused by Parkinson’s.
A home caregiver can help your loved one exercise safely. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Prestige Home Care Orlando, a trusted provider of elderly home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Control Stress
Stress hormones can reduce dopamine production and cause symptoms to worsen, which is why your loved one needs to develop strategies to manage stress and anxiety levels. Controlling stress can reduce tremors, freezing, and other Parkinson’s symptoms. One of the best ways for your loved one to manage his or her mental and emotional health is to accept the diagnosis and find ways to boost his or her quality of life. Being in denial can increase stress.
Manage Meals & Medication
Doctors typically prescribe medications to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms and enhance quality of life. When it comes to treatment, your loved one will need to follow a healthy diet that doesn’t impede the effectiveness of his or her medications. Eating too much protein could cause a drug to be less effective. Foods high in protein include meat, beans, and dairy products. Although protein-rich nutrients are beneficial to your loved one’s wellbeing, you should make sure he or she avoids large amounts of protein when taking medication.
A professional caregiver can prepare nutritious meals customized for your parent’s treatment plan. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Orlando, FL, Prestige Home Care Orlando 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.
Take Up Meaningful Tasks & Activities
Depression is common among seniors with Parkinson’s, and it could prevent them from living happy, normal lives. However, adding purposeful tasks to the day and promoting meaningful hobbies like gardening, playing sports, and painting could boost your loved one’s mood and lower the odds of isolation. The stimulation from these activities can increase brain health and cognitive skills, such as focusing, decision-making, and learning new things.
Stay Open to Change
Seniors with Parkinson’s need to try new things, especially when it comes to making repairs and renovations to the home. These changes could make it easier for your loved one to move from one room to another while lowering the odds of bumping into furniture or falling down stairs. Other changes your loved one should make relate to the clothing and accessories he or she wears. For instance, pants, shirts, and shoes with Velcro fasteners are easier to manage than items with buttons or laces.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Prestige Home Care Orlando, a leading provider of at-home care Altamonte Springs, FL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (407) 604-0504 to schedule a free consultation.