Home Health Care for Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease can be an emotional and complicated experience for those living with it. It can be heartbreaking for caregivers to watch their loved one progress through the stages of Parkinson's. In an instant, you or your loved one could be facing a life-changing condition that impacts every single day.
It can be overwhelming to try and navigate what healthcare options are best for those with Parkinson's, and finding the proper care services for yourself or your loved one can take time. Home health care serves as a holistic, personalized approach to treating and managing Parkinson’s.
Maintaining independence and dignity in the comfort of your own home can be everything you need to help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects a person's motor skills and movement. It's typically a result of genetics but can also develop from environmental exposure to toxins.
It occurs when nerve cells within the basal ganglia, a region of the brain, die or become impaired. This degeneration decreases dopamine production, a chemical that plays a vital role in movement. Dopamine loss can cause tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and balance.
Parkinson's isn't just a physical illness; it can cause symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes that are not motor-related.
The symptoms of Parkinson's usually tend to get worse over time, and during the progression of the disease, individuals may have more challenges when it comes to speaking or walking.
Can Parkinson’s Disease be Treated at Home?
Because Parkinson's significantly impacts a person’s movement and functionality, it is challenging for those battling the disease to complete daily tasks and receive appropriate care on their own. Home health care can improve their quality of life as the disease progresses.
Home care offers a great deal of support to those living with Parkinson's because they're in their own environment, which makes them feel more comfortable. Plenty of individuals opt for a nursing facility or at home, but many prefer to remain living in a familiar space as they age.
Living at home allows individuals with Parkinson’s to maintain a sense of independence and autonomy, which contributes to their overall well-being. Specialized gadgets and mobility aids can be implemented throughout the space to make simple tasks more accessible.
It’s beneficial for those with Parkinson’s to remain physically and socially active. Just because they don’t leave the house for medical assistance doesn’t mean they won’t receive the care they need. Patients will still move around the home and interact with healthcare professionals, friends, and family members whenever they visit.
It can be challenging to care for somebody with Parkinson's disease at home, but with the right caregivers and a team of patient, empathetic professionals, it doesn't have to be.
How Do Home Health Care Services Support Parkinson’s Disease?
Trained professionals, called home health aids, provide in-home care services. They can assist with basic caregiving and daily tasks, from bathing and dressing to light housekeeping and operating medical equipment. Thus, individuals can get the care they need without being in a facility.
Physical therapists can help improve balance, mobility, and overall bodily function through targeted exercise and interventions. They can also develop personalized treatment plans to assist during any stage of the illness as it progresses. Physical therapists can often come to the patient’s home, or home health care aides can provide transportation to and from clinics.
Occupational therapists are also available to help people regain their independence in their daily lives. They help patients improve their fine motor skills so they can complete everyday tasks. Like physical therapists, they can develop a personalized treatment plan that meets a patient’s unique needs.
Regular companionship is another reason people choose home healthcare. Having somebody come and provide emotional and mental support to individuals who are dealing with Parkinson's disease can make a big difference to their quality of life. Companions are highly valuable and underrated.
Program Options
Home Nursing With Heart offers several programs to support those living with Parkinson’s. Participation in each program depends on your or your loved one’s specific needs.
LVST LOUD
LVST LOUD is a nationally recognized program that focuses on sensory recalibration by emphasizing vocal and neural intonation, as well as intelligibility and articulation exercises.
Home Nursing with Heart speech therapists undergo a rigorous certification program available only to professionals in this field. The program is specially designed to address your unique needs and offers the following services:
- Articulation, intonation, and sensory feedback recalibration to improve speech intelligibility and communication
- Exercises designed to improve swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia
- Tailored larynx exercises to improve vocal intensity (loudness) and neural function
LOUD FOR LIFE
Once you’ve graduated from the LVST LOUD therapy program, you can continue to practice ongoing exercises as a member of LOUD FOR LIFE, our community-based exercise class.
SPEAK OUT!
Through the SPEAK OUT! program, certified speech therapists from Home Nursing With Heart lead you in speech, voice, and cognitive exercises designed to strengthen the muscles you use for speaking and swallowing. They coach you on how to speak with intent to communicate more effectively. Together, therapists guide you through the program workbook with therapies, training, and self-paced exercises to:
- Convert speech from an automatic function to an intentional act
- Improve swallowing to prevent aspiration pneumonia
THE LOUD CROWD
Once you graduate from SPEAK OUT!, you can continue to maintain your progress with THE LOUD CROWD. These weekly sessions are therapist-led in a group setting to provide you with additional support and encouragement.
LSVT BIG
We also offer certified physical and occupational therapists who provide a tailored plan of care to address functional mobility, reducing your risk of falling and improving overall safety.
Home Nursing With Heart is Ready to Help
If you or a loved one needs home health care for Parkinson’s, contact us today and talk to one of our dedicated specialists. Allow us to help you achieve your healthcare goals and improve your quality of life.
Have questions about our services?
Get in Touch with Our Team!