Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that progresses slowly over time. Parkinson’s causes daily life to become harder and often times require regular assistance. In older patients, assisted living or nursing homes may be the best option to help treat the affected patient.
Signs and Symptoms
- Tremors- The early warning signs of Parkinson’s varies patient to patient, but the most common symptom tremors in the patient’s arms or legs. While tremors are the most well known sign, roughly 20% of Parkinson’s patients do not have tremors at the onset of the disease, but instead develop it as it gets worse.
- Rigidity- One of the more common symptoms that are noticed initially is rigidity or the stiffness of muscles. As the muscles become more resistant to fluid movement joint pain might occur. This joint pain is most commonly the first symptom noticed that leads to the Parkinson’s diagnosis.
- Speech Problems- Parkinson’s can affect the body’s ability to swallow correctly, leading to drooling and speech problems. The disease can also cause patients to speak quickly, slowly, or softly.
- Slow Movement- As the muscles lose their ability to function properly, movements become slower than usual. Parkinson’s patients also have a difficulty standing up and often drag their feet as they walk.
- Loss of Automatic Responses- Alzheimer’s patients lose automatic responses, like blinking or smiling, as their muscles lose their ability to function properly. Posture and the ability to walk will also begin to become more difficult as the disease progresses.
How Nursing Homes Benefit Parkinson’s Patients
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the symptoms become harder to manage. Medications are available to help treat these symptoms but sadly, there is not a cure. For older patients diagnosed with the disease, assisted living or nursing homes can take much of the burden off the patient and their loved ones.
Assistance is often needed around the clock for Parkinson’s patients to be able to perform daily tasks and to get around safely. Nursing homes have specially trained nursing staffs to help provide Parkinson’s patients with the assistance they need. As the disease progresses and the patient gets older, more assistance will be required. Nursing homes can provide the quality of care Parkinson’s patients need as their disease progressively gets worse.
If you or a loved one in the Seattle, WA region has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or some other degenerative disorder, you can discuss your options with us by contacting us here or by calling us at 855.444.7364.
