PARKINSON'S DISEASE CARE

Compassionate home care that preserves dignity and independence

Parkinson’s Care at Home

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder that affects brain cells that produce dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter that regulates body movement. Many Parkinson's symptoms are caused by a reduction in dopamine, causing problems like slow movement, stiffness, and involuntary shaking (tremors). Parkinson's disease affects more men than women and generally affects people over 60. In rare cases, it can also occur in younger adults and worsen as a person ages.

What causes the disease?

Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells and, subsequently, by a reduction of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for movement regulation, and its deficit results in many Parkinson's symptoms. This chemical messenger also helps us think, plan, focus, find things interesting, and feel pleasure. 

Amongst the causes of parkinsonism might be:

  • adverse reaction to drugs

  • environmental toxins

  • stroke

  • head trauma

other brain conditions.

  • Following the initial diagnosis of early-stage Parkinson’s Disease, most people can continue living independently and even alone for many years. Not all cases of Parkinson’s Disease render individuals disabled, but more severe cases can be highly incapacitating.

  • No – patients with Parkinson’s Disease can be cared for in their own homes, though they may benefit from 24/7 live-in care where cases of the condition are more severe or advanced. With live-in care, it is usually possible for Parkinson’s Disease patients to remain in their own homes indefinitely.

  • Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, which, in all instances, gradually gets worse and more intense with time. However, the speed at which Parkinson’s Disease progresses varies significantly from one person to the next – some patients experience only minor symptoms for many years following their initial diagnosis.

Symptoms

Early signs of Parkinson's

Symptoms for Parkinsonian disorder were first reported in 1817 by James Parkinson, a disease that was later to bear his name. They appear gradually, and the affected person only gets worse over time.

The most apparent early and cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:
- involuntary rest tremor of various parts of the body,
- slow movement,
- postural instability,
- muscle rigidity.

The other physical and psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, constipation, balance and coordination deterioration, anosmia, cognitive issues, and other mental or emotional problems.

Treatments

Sadly, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease; only treatments are available to help reduce the main symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

Treatments for Parkinson's disease include:

  • supportive therapies, i.e., physiotherapy.

  • medication.

  • and even brain surgery, if necessary.

Sometimes, no treatment is required during the early stages of Parkinson's disease, as symptoms are usually mild. However, monitoring the condition by setting regular appointments with a specialist is highly recommended.

  • Following the initial diagnosis of early-stage Parkinson’s Disease, most people can continue living independently and even alone for many years. Not all cases of Parkinson’s Disease render individuals disabled, but more severe cases can be highly incapacitating.

  • No – patients with Parkinson’s Disease can be cared for in their own homes, though they may benefit from 24/7 live-in care where cases of the condition are more severe or advanced. With live-in care, it is usually possible for Parkinson’s Disease patients to remain in their own homes indefinitely.

  • Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, which, in all instances, gradually gets worse and more intense with time. However, the speed at which Parkinson’s Disease progresses varies significantly from one person to the next – some patients experience only minor symptoms for many years following their initial diagnosis.

HOW TO CARE FOR SOMEONE WITH PARKINSON’S

Whether someone you love has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or you’ve been providing a loved one with care for a while, these are some helpful tips and strategies for caring for someone with Parkinson’s.

  • Learn as much as you can about Parkinson’s: You can provide the best care for your loved one by understanding the condition and its progression.

  • Attend your loved one’s doctor appointments: If your loved one with Parkinson’s agrees, accompany them to their doctor’s appointments. Ask questions, take notes, and provide your unique perspective on symptoms when appropriate.

  • Encourage them to seek support: Encourage your loved one to seek support by joining a support group or seeking therapy. It can help them process their emotions and develop new coping skills.

  • Be observant: Keep a close eye on your loved one’s symptoms, abilities, and moods. There may be subtle changes that are difficult for them to realize. This information can be helpful for your loved one’s medical team when deciding on care and treatment options.

  • Help with medication management: It is vital for a person living with Parkinson’s to take their medication on time. If your loved one forgets his or her medicine, they may not function as well as possible. Help your loved one by setting up a reminder system through a smartphone reminder or a wall calendar.

WHY CHOOSE PARKINSON’S HOME CARE

Many families in Georgia and throughout the country believe the only choice they have when a family member or loved one needs care is to leave their much-loved home and move into a care home. This is not true. Live-in care is becoming better understood and popular as a real alternative to moving into a residential setting.

With live-in care provided by Ketara Wellness Center, you can be assured of high-quality service from a trusted and established caregiver. A service that has benefited many families for many years.

There are countless life-enriching benefits to receiving Parkinson’s help at home with a highly trained and experienced caregiver instead of facing the upset and worry of moving into a care or nursing home. With Parkinson’s live-in care at home, you will be able to live life your way with as much independence as possible, with a tailored plan of care delivered by a compassionate caregiver on a one-to-one basis – this just cannot be matched in a care home.

Life in a care home may be very restrictive—you may have little choice as to when you get up, eat your meals, have visitors, and socialize. It is very different with Parkinson’s live-in home care; you can choose when you get up in the morning and go to bed, what’s on the menu for the day, and how you fill your time.

WHY CHOOSE KETARA WELLNESS CENTER FOR PARKINSON’S CARE?

At the heart of our Parkinson’s care is enabling people to live well in their homes with the care and support they need from a carefully well-matched, trained, and dedicated caregiver. With Ketara Wellness Center caregivers, you can be reassured that you are receiving high-quality Parkinson’s care and that family members get all the support they need during what we know can be complex.

A HIGHLY PERSONALIZED CARE PLAN

We offer each client a person-centered care plan designed to meet their specific needs and align with their background, interests, and values. Our care plans are created by an experienced Registered Nurse who understands the challenges people living with Parkinson’s face.

EXPERT CAREGIVER MATCHING

Over the years, we have established a reputation for matching caregivers with our clients to ensure they meet all their needs. This is about matching skills and aligning backgrounds and personalities so the client and caregiver can enjoy life together. On the odd occasion we do not get the match right, we respond efficiently to find another caregiver whilst minimizing any disruption to the service. Depending on the level of Parkinson’s care required will determine not just the cost of your care but also the experience we expect your caregiver to have to ensure the high standards of care we are renowned for throughout Ketara and beyond.

CONTINUITY OF CARE-LIVE-IN-CARE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Our caregivers can live with you to provide care and support for longer than other live-in care providers might offer. This allows for a strong relationship to be formed and a deeper understanding of our clients’ Parkinson’s care needs, offering consistency and continuity of care.

EXPERT TRAINED CAREGIVERS

Our caregiver training program, created with leading experts, goes beyond the mandatory requirements. It equips our caregivers to support those living with Parkinson’s, which requires more monitoring, care, and support. Our caregivers never stop learning new skills that ensure they continue to deliver the highest standards of Parkinson’s care.

A FULLY MANAGED AND REGULATED PARKINSON’S CARE SERVICE

Our fully managed and regulated Parkinson’s care service means our caregivers are employed and managed by us while caring for you. They are supported by a care management team of care experts who ensure they are supervised and supported to provide high standards of care. 

OUR HIGH-QUALITY PARKINSON’S CARE SERVICE INCLUDES:

  • A comprehensive assessment of your needs – our assessment will address not just your care needs but how you wish to live your life

  • Careful matching of an experienced and dedicated caregiver who will meet all your needs

Contact Ketara Wellness Center today to schedule your comprehensive wellness assessment. Let us help you create a plan that supports your health goals and maintains your quality of life.