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Helping a loved one deal with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be overwhelming, particularly as the disease progresses into later stages. In the early stages, patients may need help with transportation, errands, and medications. But as the disease progresses, tasks such as bathing, cooking, and standing can require professional medical support to be completed safely.

Parkinson’s home care services are designed to help people with Parkinson’s maintain their independence and accomplish these tasks, while ensuring that proper treatment slows the disease course as much as possible. While there is still no cure for Parkinson’s disease, home care for Parkinson’s patients can help alleviate their symptoms and let them live happier, healthier lives – despite their diagnosis.

5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that impacts the entire nervous system. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease get more severe over time and are typically broken down into five distinct stages.

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.

Caring for a Loved one with Parkinson’s Disease

Providing care for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be overwhelming. As the disease progresses, the demands upon caretakers continue to grow. But there are a few tips that can help caregivers provide the essential support that Parkinson’s patients need:

  1. Educate yourself on Parkinson’s disease. Knowing the course of the disease progression, and what will be required to help, can reduce unexpected changes in your loved one’s behavior.
  2. Stay on top of medications and appointments. Medication can significantly improve symptoms and attending doctor’s appointments can keep you up to date with what’s around the corner.
  3. Watch for changes in symptoms, mood, and behavior. At a certain point, tasks that a person’s with Parkinson’s may have been able to complete in the past – such as driving – become dangerous or impossible. Noting when these changes occur is vital to their safety.

And finally, know when to reach out for help. At a certain point, a single untrained caregiver likely won’t be enough. Reaching out for Parkinson’s disease home care services can make a substantial improvement in the life of the person with Parkinson’s, as well as your own.

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Our Parkinson’s Home Care

Parkinson’s home care with Kinkaid Private care provides a host of essential services for caring for a person with Parkinson’s. This includes:

  • Help with activities of daily living. Tasks such as bathing, toileting, transferring, and cooking can be taken care of by professional caregivers.
  • Medication management. Staying on top of current medications is vital to symptom relief. Our team of skilled nurses and caregivers ensure that patients take the right medications, at the right time, in the correct dose.
  • Exercise and physical therapy. Exercise plays a vital role in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s – and is a key component in our Parkinson’s home care services.
  • Emotional and cognitive support. Learning to cope with symptoms is about more than physical effects. Having a compassionate supporter and advocate can do wonders for emotional wellbeing.
  • Ensuring safety. Between 45-68% of Parkinson’s patients will fall each year – which can cause devastating physical and quality of life consequences. Our providers can help mitigate fall risks and provide tools to help ensure patient safety.

Who Provides Our Care?

Our care is provided by Kinkaid’s team of in-home nurses with decades of experience caring for the elderly. Our nurses are trained to provide high-quality care in a kind and professional manner, while also ensuring excellent communication with families.

Is In-Home Care for Parkinson’s Available in Los Angeles?

Kinkaid Private Care offers premium Parkinson’s home care services throughout the Los Angeles area, including Bel Air, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and several surrounding areas. Our care is delivered by licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, specially trained physicians, and professional home caregivers.

Why Choose Kinkaid?

At Kinkaid Private Care, our team is dedicated to bridging the gap between hospital and home. Quality home care for Parkinson’s patients can reduce the number of hospital visits, increase our client’s quality of life and wellbeing, and allow them to continue living independently. When you’re ready to begin care, reach out to our team by calling 866-337-4596, or by filling out our confidential online contact form below.

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If you have any questions or would like additional information on the services that we provide, please contact a nurse specialist by calling us or filling out the following form.

(866) 337-4596