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.