Medical experts have broken down Parkinson’s disease into five different stages. However, regardless of where you or your loved one might be in these stages, it’s important to remember that every person is unique. Different people deal with and experience the disease in different ways. While one person might progress through the stages at an even pace, others might see that they progress at different rates. Many individuals even skip stages at times. This is not out of the ordinary. And with so many different needs, it is important that those with Parkinson’s have a unique type of senior care administered. A cookie cutter care service is not going to work in these instances, but rather an approach that is tailor suited to your loved one’s needs.
Experts tend to agree that the five stages of Parkinson’s can be broken down as follows:
Stage One: The person in the early stages of Parkinson’s experiences shakiness and loss of balance. Family members will begin to detect differences at this stage, such as strange facial expressions or unsteadiness.
Stage Two: Shakiness begins to appear on both sides of the body. Everyday tasks become a lot harder to fulfill at this stage. Problems with walking become significant.
Stage Three: Physical movements slow down at this stage. The person with the disease might have difficulty standing straight and walking.
Stage Four: Stage four is when severe issues emerge. Someone in this stage might still be able to walk, but it is extremely difficult. Tremors and shakiness begin to subside, and movement becomes very slow. Most patients in this stage cannot complete daily tasks on their own.
Stage Five: In the final stage of Parkinson’s, constant one on one care is needed. Usually this person must have a nursing background, but not always. They will need someone to help them get through each day.
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease have a unique set of needs. Before you make a decision about whether a family member with this might benefit from in-home care, be sure to look at what their needs are and what the in-home care service that you are considering can provide for you. As you noticed, individuals in the latter stages of this disease may often benefit from a nursing home, but sometimes in-home care from a medical professional can also be beneficial.
With this information, you will be better able to provide for your loved one than if you just go with any senior care service that you find. Although any care might seem like it will fit your loved one’s needs, this is your family that we are talking about. You don’t want just any care; you want the best care that you can find for them. And you want to do all of this while fulfilling their wishes when it comes to senior care, too.
If you have any questions, we here at Paradise In-Home Care would love to help. Give us a call today or send an email. If it fits your needs, we can schedule a free consultation and better determine if our services mesh with your family’s needs.
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