Parkinson’s Home Care

Stage 1

The first stage of Parkinson’s is the mildest and may go unnoticed for months. At this stage, patients experience intermittent symptoms such as:

• Small tremors, on one side of the body
• Changes in facial expressions
• Alterations in posture or walking

While the first stage of Parkinson’s doesn’t typically interfere with the tasks of everyday life, targeted medications and regular exercise can slow disease progression and improve symptoms.

Stage 2

Stage 2 is a moderate form of Parkinson’s disease. At this stage, symptoms get worse, and may include:

• Difficulty walking
• Muscle stiffness
• Symptoms showing on both sides of the body
• Worsening posture

While people in the second stage of Parkinson’s disease may still be able to live alone, they may take longer to finish their normal tasks. At this stage, Parkinson’s home care can help them to accomplish these tasks and get patients the treatment they need.

Stage 3

In the third stage of Parkinson’s, people experience all the same symptoms as in stage 2, but also experience a loss of balance and slower reflexes. Falls become more common, and daily tasks become progressively harder to accomplish.

Stage 4

Stage 4 Parkinson’s is when most people begin to lose their ability to function independently. They may need assistive devices to walk or move, have severe trouble with balance, and experience extremely slowed reaction times.

Stage 5

The final stage of Parkinson’s makes it impossible for patients to stand or move on their own. In addition, up to 50% of stage 5 Parkinson’s patients will experience hallucinations, and up to 90% will experience delusions. Around-the-clock care is necessary at this stage to prevent serious falls and injuries.