Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys healthy brain cells and obstructs the nervous system. Even though there is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s, quite a bit can be done to minimize the symptoms. Here are a few steps your aging loved one can take to alleviate some of the worst symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Find an Enjoyable Exercise Routine
One of the most effective ways to minimize the symptoms of Parkinson’s is to exercise as much as possible. A recent study funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation found that high-intensity workouts can help with involuntary tremors, muscle stiffness, general soreness, and cognitive decline. Your loved one should try out a wide variety of workout routines to see which exercises he or she enjoys the most. As the disorder progresses, your parent might need to transition to low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga.
Many older adults with Parkinson’s require help with exercising. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Tucson Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Don’t Let Your Loved One Sit Still
Parkinson’s disease makes it difficult to move around, which is one of the reasons many seniors become sedentary. However, staying in the same position for a long time can exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Once or twice an hour, your loved one needs to stand up and move around for a few minutes. If your loved one is forgetful, you might need to set a timer on his or her phone or watch. You can also have friends or family members call throughout the day and remind your loved one to move around.
Encourage Your Loved One to Stretch Twice a Day
Stretching once or twice a day is another great way to increase flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness. Dynamic stretches that involve constant movement are generally safer for older adults. An example of a dynamic stretch would be twisting from side to side for 20 or 30 seconds at a time. Your loved one’s neurologist might also suggest meeting with a physical therapist a few times a week. A certified physical therapist can help your loved one come up with a simple stretching routine to do as soon as he or she wakes up and just before going to bed.
Seniors who need help exercising can benefit from professional in-home care. Tucson senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Alter the Diet
Eating nutritious foods helps seniors maintain a healthy weight and boost their cognitive function, and it also makes prescription medications more effective. Before your loved one starts any new medications, you must first speak with a doctor or pharmacist about the potential side effects. Your loved one might need to cut certain foods out of the diet and quit tobacco products and alcohol if he or she is going to take levodopa or any other dopamine precursors.
From managing their medications to performing basic housekeeping tasks, older adults with Parkinson’s may need help with an array of activities. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Tucson respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Call us at (520) 276-6555 to schedule a free in-home consultation.