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A Day in the Life of Someone with Parkinson’s

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Parkinson’s can change your habits, making it more challenging to manage the tasks that go into daily living. It may impact your ability to bathe, eat, or dress. 

Parkinson’s develops differently, and each person may experience symptoms differently, altering how they go through life. 

Learn more about what a day with Parkinson’s might be like with Fox Trail Memory Care and what steps you can take to manage symptoms and lead a healthy life. 

Activities of Daily Living with Parkinson’s 

Parkinson’s can have an impact on how you go about your life. Here are some of the things that may be different in the life of someone with Parkinson’s disease:

Mobility 

It’s important to stay physically active and keep your body moving while trying to keep exercise as a part of your daily routine. Here are some tips for staying active:

  • Go on walks with family or friends
  • Attend community activities and exercise groups 
  • Move around your home 
  • Join a low-impact sport or activity, like yoga, tai-chi, or even swimming

A time may come when further assistance is needed to move around. Consider investing in a high-quality wheelchair, cane, or walker to help keep you on your feet and moving about. 

Driving 

Many people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will continue to drive for many years before they can’t anymore. Your ability to drive will likely depend on the symptoms you experience with the disease. If you start noticing shaking in your hands and feet, slower reaction speeds, and poor depth perception, it may be time to stop driving. 

Dressing & Bathing

Tremors or stiff limbs can make bathing and dressing more challenging tasks when living with Parkinson’s disease. We recommend not rushing, being cautious, and sitting down when dressing or bathing. If it becomes too difficult, consider joining a loving community like Fox Trail Memory Care and gain support from our friendly team. 

Eating 

Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is important in managing your health. Many different tools can be used to help make cooking easier, like electric knives, utensils with built-up handles, and plate guards to help get food on your spoon. 

Home Safety

Creating a safe and comfortable space can help make the disease’s progression easier for you or your loved one. For example, consider renovating your home to provide a more comfortable environment and reduce some of the risks of accidents or falls. Here are some possible changes to consider making for a more comfortable living experience:

  • Sliding doors 
  • Wider hallways 
  • Ramp access 
  • Open-space floor plan 
  • Slip-resistant floors in the bathroom and shower
  • Adding rails to doorways and stairs 
  • Adding stairlifts 
  • Installing ramps 

Schedule a visit at Fox Trail Memory Care to see and learn more about our floor plans that work to optimize accessibility and ease of use for our residents. 

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is an incurable and progressive brain disorder that affects approximately half a million Americans. Your doctor will typically check for the disease and diagnose it by evaluating your medical history and performing a neurological exam. 

What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s will generally cause 4 main symptoms:

  • Tremors 
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Slowness of movement 
  • Impaired balance and coordination 

Other symptoms may be experienced, including depression, difficulty eating, and urinary and skin problems. 

What Causes Parkinson’s?

The main cause of Parkinson’s disease is when the nerve cells in the basal ganglia become impaired or die. These nerve cells are responsible for the body’s control over movement, which is why those with Parkinson’s have difficulty with motor function.

How to Manage Parkinson’s Disease

Creating a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and condition is important. Parkinson’s is not a curable disease, but many options exist to help with symptom management. 

a senior woman with parkinsons sits at a kitchen table, taking medication while holding a water glass

Medications

A wide range of medications are available that can help with symptoms. Someone living with Parkinson’s will likely need to take a variety of medications at different doses and times of the day. We recommend creating a precise schedule to help with your medication management. 

Therapies

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are different types of treatments that may help manage the disease as it progresses. Speak with your doctor about getting started and creating a routine. 

Senior Living

Senior living and memory care communities can provide an excellent support system for someone with Parkinson’s. Some of the services that a community like Fox Trail Memory Care can offer include the following: 

  • 24-hour onsite care team
  • Medication management
  • Food preparation 
  • Rehabilitation centers 
  • Amenities and activities  

Book a Visit Today

Book a visit at Fox Trail Memory Care to learn more about our community and the services we can provide to help you or your loved one lead a healthy and happy life with Parkinson’s. 

Ryan Donahue

Written by Ryan Donahue, Regional Vice President

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