Broad Street Solutions in Senior Care: “How to manage it”

THE HOME CARE CHALLENGE

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder which impacts an estimated one million Americans. Parkinson’s Disease is classified as a movement disorder and according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year.

Although there are numerous symptoms which can have an effect on someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, we’d like to focus on how an individual’s mobility is impacted, and how you can proactively manage the symptoms to keep living your daily life.

First let’s look at different ways an individual’s Mobility is impacted by Parkinson’s Disease. In other words, what are the functional areas most effected.

They could include:

• Ambulation and Gait

• Balance/Postural Instability (fall risk)

• Ability to Transfer

 

THE HOME CARE SOLUTION:

Each of these symptoms can manifest itself differently and with varying degrees of severity. So, the first step in understanding how these symptoms are impacting an individual, is a formal assessment.  Initially by a Physician or Nurse, who is aware of how the medication is being managed and how it is impacting symptoms, but also a Physical Therapist who understand the effects of Parkinson’s Disease and what techniques can be used to manage them.

Initial Foundation

Parkinson’s Medication Management

The assessment allows you to build a daily routine, that includes both nutrition and medication. Taking pills, particularly Carbidopa-levodopa, on time based on your physician’s prescription and without any recent meals that could disrupt absorption, is critical in maintaining a balance between the onset of symptoms as well a side effects (Dyskinesia). This creates a foundation for managing mobility symptoms.  It is also important to understand how other medications might play a part in balancing Parkinson’s symptoms with other symptoms you may be experiencing from any other condition.

Create a Daily Routine

Managing Parkinson’s Symptoms While Also Living Your Life

From there the daily routine is really specific to the person.  It is a combination of doing what you like to do, with some exercises that keep you moving in ways that help strength and flexibility to offset the impact of Parkinson’s Disease mobility issues.

Generally speaking, it comes down to the following:

• Identifying the symptoms that are most problematic when it comes to your mobility function

• Techniques to help manage those symptoms when they present themselves

• Establishing an appropriate exercise routine that can improve strength, flexibility and balance to help offset the effects of your symptoms

• Fit this into a daily routine of the things you enjoy, so that you remain motivated and living your life

Symptoms that Can Impact Mobility Function

Some of the more common Parkinsonian symptoms that can affect mobility include:

• Shuffling (festination)

• Falling forwards and backwards (propulsion and retropulsion)

• Slow movement (Bradykinesia)

• Stiffness or rigidity

• Freezing

 

Techniques for Managing Symptoms

While having a Medication management regimen lays the foundation for managing symptoms, they often do not fully eliminate symptoms, especially if they progress. There are a variety of techniques and habits that can be used to used to help manage these systems impacting mobility. What is most common among all these techniques the having patience, taking the time to let the body catch up with the brain.  The more these can become more routine, the more you can maintain mobility and avoid potentially dangerous falls.

Some techniques include: 

• Cueing – taking the time to remind the brain to take each step deliberately

• Exaggerating movements – Imagining taking larger than needed steps, like stepping over a barrel, can help you compensate for the struggle for the feet to keep up with the brain

• Stand-by assist – if the risk of fall is there, sometimes you need a friend or loved one nearby to keep you from experiencing a dangerous accident

 

Strength, Flexibility and Balance Exercises

There are many exercises that can help build strength, flexibility and balance. While this does not eliminate the progression of symptoms, it can potentially help to offset the impact of these symptoms. Not only that, but many of them can be entertaining and fit into activities you may find enjoyable. Some examples include long smooth muscle exercises like riding a stationary bike, Thai Chi, even dancing. These can also be therapeutic for the mind and a distraction to some of the frustrations you may experience with Parkinson’s. There are also a variety of Parkinson’s exercise groups that allow for a shared experience.  (See Movement Revolution and Rock Steady Boxing.) Before engaging in any of these exercises, you would want to consult with a Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists or Exercise Physiologists along with your Neurologist or Primary Care Physician to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Additional Things to Consider Around Fall Risk

Fall risk is one the bigger risks with Parkinson’s and can lead to dangerous injury and even hospitalization.  In order to manage Fall Risk, it can be helpful to first assess the risk, so you can then decide how to manage it. This may include the following:

Assessment of the Physical Environment

What is the condition of the carpeting? Are there grab bars? Are there stairs? Is there enough lighting? Are the entrances and doorways wide enough? Are there sharp edges. By removing some of the common hazards or making it easier and safer to move around, you can limit the risk of a serious accident.

A Fall Risk Assessment

This can be conducted by a Physical Therapist.  Depending on the level of risk, you would need to determine whether or not being left alone would make sense, or whether you need a friend or loved one with you if you are planning on being mobile.

BROAD STREET’S SOLUTION

Broad Street specializes in providing customized approaches for specific conditions like Parkinson’s Disease and other Movement Disorders, as well as other conditions including:

• Home Care for Alzheimer’s and other Dementias

• Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation at Home

• Cancer Care in the Home

• And other Physical and Cognitive Conditions

We develop support plans that incorporate symptoms management but always in the context of your daily routine so you can continue to live your life.

If you have any questions about support for Parkinson’s Disease or other Movement Disorders, or anything else related to Home Care or Home Nursing, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Broad Street is here to help you find the Home Care Solution that works for you.

Broad Street delivers the very best in concierge Home Care services, please  contact us  today to learn more.

Broad Street Solutions in Senior Care

Home Care is all about people, probably more than any other service that exists.  It is filled with complexities and uncertainties, because every human being is different. But if we embrace that fact, we can then redirect our focus and approach every situation and every person uniquely.  Because we know that within all of that complexity lies the potential for great relationships, relationships not based on perfection but based on genuine care.

At Broad Street, we spend the time to understand the details, to prioritize the needs and attributes as well as work through the constraints challenges and constraints.  It is through this process that we continue to learn and work through the issues and adapt. Life is inherently unpredictable.  But with greater understanding, we can better anticipate and manage towards not only a more reliable solution but towards creating a great and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.