Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder caused by low dopamine in the brain. This progressive disease destroys nerve cells that 
produce dopamine making it harder for the brain to send signals to muscles throughout the body. This often results in shaking, difficulty walking, swallowing and coordination.
Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are multiple treatment options. “Since motor symptoms of PD are caused by decreased dopamine levels in the brain, most medications are aimed at replenishing or mimicking the action of dopamine, and can be very effective in controlling the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Other types of medications are used to treat the non-motor symptoms.” [1] Partaking in regular exercise and a healthy diet will also benefit a person with this disease.
How Home Care Can Help
CarePlus provides caregivers that offer assistance with (ALD’s) Activities of Daily Living and ensure safety of a loved one affected by the disease. With regular Homecare, individuals suffering with Parkinson’s disease can stress less with assistance in performing everyday activities and incorporating their therapy care plan, ultimately reducing their risk of falls or other injuries that result from Parkinson’s disease.
Customized Care Plans
Dealing with the everyday difficulties of Parkinson’s disease can be easier with assistance from a compassionate professional. CarePlus can create a customized plan for your loved one to address a variety of needs including:
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Preparing nutritious meals and assisting with feeding if needed
- Transferring from bed to wheelchair to chair, as needed
- Help with restroom use, bathing, dressing and grooming
- Medication and personal safety reminders
- Light housekeeping, running errands, and scheduling events
- Offering friendly conversation and emotional support
- Encouraging and planning social activities and exercise
Information & Resources
To request a free in-home assessment, contact CarePlus Home Health at 301-740-8870.
Living with Parkinson’s disease is stressful to begin with and taking small steps to reduce stress for everyone involved. For more information about the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area please access their website or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
http://parkinsonfoundation.org/
[1] Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area, “About Parkinson’s Disease.” http://parkinsonfoundation.org/about-parkinsons-disease
predisposition. The majority of patients diagnosed with this disease are women and aged 20-50 years old. Common symptoms include fatigue, tingling and numbness, vertigo and dizziness, muscle weakness, and problems with balance.
images to the brain. To catch this condition early, it is important to have yearly eye exams that include a glaucoma test. If straight lines appear distorted or wavy or there appears to be a blind spot or empty area in the center of your vision, you may have the signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease affects the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision where the eye’s acuity is sharpest. The disease causes a blind spot that is right in the middle of your field of vision. If not treated early, consistently and aggressively, it can lead to blindness.
of Heart Disease. If you are experiencing chest, neck, jaw or arm pain, frequent indigestion, or palpitations, you could have a heart condition.
and their family. Lately we have been receiving more and more inquiries about the current Ebola outbreaks being mentioned in the news. Based out of Gaithersburg, Maryland, we primarily serve patients in Maryland, however, we are starting to hear about Ebola cases here in the U.S. In addition, we have a number of caregivers that are originally from African countries commonly associated in the news with Ebola. We wanted to share a resource provided by the Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association to help our patients and potential patients be informed about and understand the Ebola virus.
we begin to develop problems with depth perception and judgment, and our brain and body begin to have trouble coordinating signals. Our highly trained home caregivers are well versed in the danger falls can present, as well as catching warning signs and creating preventative measures. Here is a great article with just a few of those tricks for avoiding falls.
benefits, it is indisputable the ideal choice for those who have the opportunity. According to a recent report by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Conference of State Legislatures almost 90% of people over 65 want to live in their home and community as long as possible. Here’s a great article with 7 Keys to Growing Old in Your Own Home. If you or your loved one would like to learn more or need help getting started, our caregivers are the absolute best in Maryland or Northern Virgina and we are here to help you.
concerns are and we hope these tips will help.