Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that slowly reduces a person’s ability to perform many daily functions as the disease continues to affect the nerves that control their movements.
In the early stages, these movement changes may be mostly annoying to your loved one but he can still safely live in his own home without too much assistance as the disease progresses, he will lose the ability to perform more tasks, making daily living not only frustrating but dangerous if he doesn’t have the proper support he needs.
It’s impossible to predict how quickly the disease will progress or which areas of movement will be most greatly affected, but having an in-home occupational therapy care team set up beforehand can help your loved one navigate those changes more easily.
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month helps family members and other caregivers to be aware of possible upcoming health struggles for their elderly loved one so they can prepare for changes in his care needs, making sure he is always safe in his home as well as still able to enjoy the freedom he desires.
With April being National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, you can take advantage of this time to speak to your loved one about how you will help him as his disease progresses.
Four Areas Your Loved One Might Need More Help With as Parkinson’s Progresses
#1 Dressing
If your loved one loses the ability to perform fine motor movements, he will begin to struggle to get dressed each day, as he might not be able to tie his shoes or zip up his zipper. One solution to prepare for these changes is to have clothes and shoes that are easy to put on without needing a lot of finagling. Pullover shirts, slip-on shoes, and elastic waist pants can all make getting dressed easier while allowing your loved one to remain independent.
#2 Bathing and Grooming
Your loved one might struggle to get in and out of the shower or shave. Having support bars in the bathroom as well as having someone help him daily with grooming care can help keep him safe in the bathroom.
#3 Mealtimes
If your loved one likes his meals made with fresh ingredients, he might need help in the kitchen with preparing meals. Some assistive devices can make this task easier, as well as learning new ways to navigate the kitchen safely by working with an in-home occupational therapy provider.
#4 Transportation
Eventually, driving will become too dangerous for your loved one, so plan by knowing what transportation support options he will have when that day arrives.
In-Home Occupational Therapy Can Help Your Loved One with Parkinson’s Disease
As the disease progresses, having a reliable and trusted in-home occupational therapy team as part of your loved one’s support network will help him learn how to maintain safety and independence in his own home.
During the early stages of the disease, his in-home occupational therapy team can help him develop an awareness of how his body now moves so that he can safely navigate around his home without injuring himself. They will also assist him in learning exercises to help him maintain function in areas that are affected by the disease.
As Parkinson’s progresses and your loved one needs more assistance, his in-home occupational therapy team can continue to help him thrive in his own home by assessing his needs and helping him find assistive devices, as well as helping him make his home safe to prevent falls or accidents.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Occupational Therapy in Hollywood, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
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