Recognizing Signs of Parkinson’s Disease in Seniors

Do you have concerns that your elderly loved one could have Parkinson’s disease? If so, you may want to learn more about how to recognize the signs of this disease in senior citizens. There are some very common symptoms of this disease that your elderly loved one will display if they have Parkinson’s disease. If you do notice these signs and your elderly loved one receives a diagnosis, the first step in planning their care is to arrange assistance in the home services to help care for your elderly loved one.

Trembling

One of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the elderly is trembling. You or assistance in the home care provider may notice tremors in your elderly loved one’s head, jaw, legs, arms, or hands. Sometimes, these tremors will only start in one area or on one side of the body. However, throughout the progression of this disease, the tremors will spread throughout their body and become much more severe.

Moving Slowly

Another sign that you may notice in your elderly loved one if they have Parkinson’s disease is that they are moving slowly. It may seem as if they are doing things in slow motion or that they don’t know what they are doing. However, that isn’t the case. The muscles of a Parkinson’s disease patient are tight and deteriorating. This causes them to not function as they should, leading to much slower movements.

Stiffness

If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease, you will notice they are becoming very stiff in their trunk, arms, and legs. It is important to note that stiffness can be a sign of many other health conditions, too. So, if you notice this sign in your elderly loved one, be sure to have them see their doctor about it. The doctor can run the necessary tests to find out the underlying cause is for the stiffness.

Coordination and Balance Issues

When someone has Parkinson’s disease, they are also going to experience coordination and balance issues. In many instances, these issues can lead to at least one fall. This is why any senior citizen who is experiencing issues with their coordination or balance must speak up about it. If your elderly loved one can tell you or someone else who is caring for them about this issue, you can help to ensure they don’t fall.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

The issues noted above are all things that happen with Parkinson’s disease. There are some other symptoms to be on the lookout for, such as:

• difficulty swallowing
• depression
• issues speaking
• difficulty leaning forward
• sleep disruptions
• skin problems
• urinary issues
• constipation

Create a Plan of Care with Assistance in the Home Providers

While there isn’t a cure for this disease right now, there are treatments that can help to make your elderly loved one more comfortable if they do have Parkinson’s disease. Following a Parkinson’s diagnosis, it’s important to create a care plan for your senior that includes how they will cope with their new normal. Assistance in the home aides can provide the support your senior needs to maintain their independence as long as possible, including meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation to doctor appointments, and more. Consider making assistance in the home services the first step in preparing your senior for the future with Parkinson’s.

Sources:  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease

If you or an aging loved one is considering Assistance in the Home Services in Marietta GA please contact the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712