How Parkinson’s care at home can support a positive life

As documented by singer Ozzy Osbourne’s admission earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, later admitting in an interview that he doesn’t have “that much longer”, being told you have Parkinson’s and living with the effects of it are tough for anyone.

Amidst the distressing stories, though, there are inspiring ones, like that of Matt Eagles, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s as a child but has gone on to become one of the leading advocates for this progressive neurological condition. Indeed, Matt even wrote an open letter to Ozzy Osbourne in the hope of inspiring the singer to find the positivity amidst his diagnosis.

Supporting physical and mental health after a Parkinson’s diagnosis

People living with Parkinson’s experience many different challenges. Given that the most common symptoms are involuntary shaking (tremors), slow or uncoordinated movements and stiff or inflexible muscles, everyday tasks from washing and dressing to cooking and eating can be problematic. This may result in a person with Parkinson’s feeling frustrated, and although the person may be reluctant to seek professional support, having a live-in carer can provide the best of both worlds. Just-right support that isn’t obtrusive, doesn’t ‘take over’ or disable the person further, but reduces frustration, promotes independence and enables the person to do as much as they can.

Helping a person with the mental health effects of a Parkinson’s diagnosis is as important as supporting the person with the physical challenges that they will be experiencing. Nearly half of people with a Parkinson’s diagnosis have experienced depression or anxiety, and a key part of our live-in Parkinson’s care is being able to identify and support a person who may be experiencing mental health problems as a result of their Parkinson’s.

Why home is the best place to be

The prospect of having to potentially leave their home to go into a care home is something few people with Parkinson’s want to consider. However, with the support of a live-in carer, alongside modifications and adaptations to the person’s home, the person can continue to live their life in their own home in the way that they choose.

As detailed by Parkinson’s UK, there are many daily living aids alongside apps and devices that have been created to make life a little easier for a person with Parkinson’s.

Given that Parkinson’s is progressive, it may be comforting to know that we offer a wide-range of support options for all of the stages of Parkinson’s. This includes the advanced and palliative stages, when a person may experience a range of more complex symptoms, including the onset of memory problems or dementia.

How live-in care can help a person to live well with Parkinson’s

Most people with Parkinson’s will have a medication regime that is personally tailored to them and needs to be adhered to for the best outcomes. The person may also have an exercise plan to follow and guidance from therapists, including a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and/or speech and language therapist, to help them live as well as possible with their Parkinson’s.

Maintaining treatment plans can be difficult alone and stressful for a spouse or family member to support, but with our live-in care we can ensure medication is taken on time, that guidance from therapists is followed to ensure the best outcomes for the person, and that appointments are kept for reviews of the person’s condition and treatment(s).

Our live-in carers can also support the person with other important elements that contribute to their wellbeing, including continuing with hobbies that they enjoy – perhaps with some modifications to take account of their Parkinson’s symptoms – and supporting the person to go out and about to enjoy socialising, shopping or other activities, including attending Parkinson’s peer support groups.

We firmly believe that living with Parkinson’s doesn’t have to mean stopping the things you enjoy, and with our live-in care we aim to put the positivity back into living with Parkinson’s.

Find out more about how ENA Care Group could support you or your family by calling 08004 334 413 or emailing care@ena.co.uk.