If your senior parent has Parkinson’s disease but they want to continue living at home as long as they can, elder care can make life easier for them at home. With elder care, your parent will have daily help from a care provider who can help them with everything from chores to moving safely around the house.
Knowing your parent has elder care will also give you peace of mind. You can go to work or take care of your kids or do the things you need to do knowing that a caring and compassionate care provider is there with your parent.
Even though the symptoms of Parkinson’s can make life on their own difficult for seniors, elder care can help your parent continue to live independently
How Elder Care Can Help
The loss of balance, tremors, and confusion that Parkinson’s disease can cause can make it unsafe or difficult for your parent to do normal chores and tasks.
They also may need help cooking meals, holding utensils, brushing their teeth, or getting dressed. A care provider can help your parent stay safe and have a good quality of life at home by doing things like:
Keep the Home Clean and Free of Tripping Hazards
Parkinson's disease can affect balance and walking, increasing your parent's risk of falling. Even small obstacles like clutter, electrical cords, or loose rugs can become dangerous.
A home care provider can help keep floors clear by putting away clutter, removing tripping hazards, and making sure walkways stay open.
They can also sweep floors, dust furniture, vacuum when appropriate, and keep frequently used items within easy reach so your parent doesn't have to bend, stretch, or climb unnecessarily.
Handle Household Chores
Simple chores can become exhausting for someone living with Parkinson's disease. Tasks like taking out the trash, carrying laundry baskets, changing bed linens, or cleaning the bathroom may require more strength and balance than your parent has.
Home care assistance allows a home care provider to help with light housekeeping, laundry, changing the sheets, washing dishes, making the bed, and taking out the trash.
By handling these physically demanding chores, your parent can save their energy for activities they enjoy instead of struggling to keep up with housework.
Help with Grocery Shopping and Errands
Shopping can become stressful when Parkinson's affects walking, hand coordination, or endurance. Carrying groceries, standing in long checkout lines, or reaching for items on high shelves may no longer be safe.
A home care provider can help your parent create shopping lists, shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, mail packages, and complete other everyday errands that have to get done.
Having help with errands ensures your parent always has healthy food, medications, and household supplies without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
An elder care provider can also take your parent to their doctor or therapy appointments so that your parent has a trusted companion who can stay with them throughout the appointment to provide support when you can’t be there.
Medication Reminders
Seniors with Parkinson's disease take medications on a strict schedule. Missing doses or taking them late may cause symptoms to become more difficult to manage.
A home care provider can provide medication reminders, help organize medications in clearly labeled pill organizers, and make sure your parent doesn’t run out of medications.
Keeping medications organized and making sure that your parent knows when to take each medication can help them avoid setbacks or medication mistakes. Elder care providers don’t give medications, but they can help your parent remember to take their medications on time.
Encourage Safe Movement Throughout the Day
Regular movement is important for maintaining flexibility, strength, and mobility. However, your parent may avoid activity because they fear falling or become tired more easily.
A home care provider can encourage your parent to take short walks around the home, perform gentle stretching exercises or occupational therapy exercises recommended by their doctor. They can also help your parent use a walker or cane safely to move around the house.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in West Hollywood, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
