Parkinson’s disease unfortunately affects a significant portion of the population. Learning that one has Parkinson’s is something that can be difficult to accept. This is the case, of course, for the person who has been diagnosed, but also for those close to him or her, such as family and friends. Even though it is an ordeal that everyone would have preferred to do without, there are solutions to Parkinson’s disease in order to live better with this condition.
In order to get all the help needed, there are two interesting options: living in a seniors’ residence or receiving personalized home care? These two solutions aim to allow a better quality of life for the person affected by Parkinson’s disease as well as for the caregivers in the immediate environment.
A Better Understanding of Parkinson’s Disease
Even though we hear more and more about Parkinson’s disease, it is sometimes difficult to fully understand it. Let’s try to demystify it together. After all, a better understanding often leads to better help!
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. In other words, it is characterized by the progressive destruction of certain neurons in our brain. To be more precise, the destroyed neurons cause a decrease in dopamine. All of this has the consequence of affecting the proper control of movements. It is in this way that a progressive appearance of the main symptoms can be observed such as tremors, slowness of movements and rigidity.
Understanding the causes of Parkinson
The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown. However, research on this disease continues and tends to show that a combination of several factors could be involved in the development of Parkinson’s.
Here is a small list of the risk factors identified:
- genetics ;
- environmental factors ;
- age;
- and many more.
Although there are forms of the disease that can affect young people, the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age. Thus, people aged 60 and over are the most at risk. It is therefore best to remain vigilant when symptoms appear.
Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease
You suspect that your parent or an elderly relative has Parkinson’s disease? It is then important to encourage him or her to quickly consult his or her doctor. Through a physical and neurological examination, the doctor will make a thorough evaluation of the situation. This is how he or she will be able to conclude that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has been made, if this is the case. Considering that the signs are often discrete, it is necessary to pay attention to them as soon as they appear.
Recognizing the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Even with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, it is important to understand that every situation is different. The presence of symptoms, their intensity and the evolution of the disease will differ from one person to another.
Nevertheless, three main motor symptoms remain associated with Parkinson’s disease
- tremors, mainly at rest ;
- rigidity during mobilization ;
- and slowness of movement (also called bradykinesia).
The situation in Quebec
In Quebec alone, there are approximately 25,000 people with Parkinson’s disease. Receiving such a diagnosis is a shock for the person concerned but also for the family, friends and other caregivers. In total, across Quebec, it is estimated that close to 100,000 people are affected by the impact of this disease.
According to Parkinson Quebec, the average age of people affected is 64 years old and the proportion increases with age. It is estimated that approximately 1% of the population aged 65 and over has Parkinson’s disease. This figure would increase to 2% after the age of 70.
Solutions to Parkinson’s Disease: Choosing to Live in a Retirement Home
There is no doubt that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease comes with daily impacts for seniors living with this disease. In order to better cope with these challenges, choosing to live in a seniors’ residence may be the best decision to make!
The advantages of this solution
For a person with Parkinson’s disease, moving into a seniors’ residence is a reassuring decision for both the person and their loved ones. As the disease progresses and the symptoms become more severe, the caregiver will be more and more solicited. Even if the role of caregiver is indispensable, it is important not to fall into a situation of exhaustion. As we know, this requires a lot of time and energy. In short, by wanting to help a senior who is dear to us, we must not forget ourselves. Even if your involvement with your loved one is more than honorable, asking for help is not a sign of weakness! On the contrary, it is proof that you care about your health and that of the person you are caring for!
By choosing to live in a residence, a senior person finds himself in a safe environment. It is possible to receive all the appropriate care on site in order to continue to enjoy an optimal quality of life. The staff of specialized Parkinson’s disease residences provides the necessary assistance to both independent and frail seniors. All of this is done with respect and dignity for the residents. The medical team and professional caregivers ensure that care is adapted and personalized to the specific needs of each resident.
How to Prepare Your Search for a Retirement Home?
In order to choose the best residence for your elderly parent or for the senior you are caring for, it is best to be well prepared. To do this, it is important to make a list of the main questions to ask yourself when looking for a retirement home. This decision should not be taken lightly. If a senior person with Parkinson’s disease is in a well-supervised and stimulating environment, the result is a better quality of life and less stress for the individual and for the caregivers and family.
In summary, it is important to carefully select:
- the person’s medical needs
- the person’s preferences and tastes
- the budget that can be allocated to monthly rent
- the different types of care offered on site;
- the range of services available at the residence;
- as well as the availability at the time of your search.
Visavie can help you with all of these steps. Our housing advisors are well aware of the solutions to Parkinson’s disease and, above all, of the different residences available in your area. They will be able to provide you with sound advice in order to guide you towards the residence best suited to your needs. We offer a personalized approach by accompanying you from start to finish.
Speak with a Senior Living Advisor today
Help at Home Available for Seniors with Parkinson’s
Staying at home as long as possible is a priority for many. Despite the changes in Parkinson’s symptoms, one of the solutions to Parkinson’s disease is home care, allowing seniors to continue living at home in the comfort of their own homes.
The benefits of Home Care for Parkinson’s disease
With the help of various home care services, many seniors are able to stay in the comfort of their homes longer. They remain in an environment that allows them to maintain maximum independence while continuing to live in a safe environment. Even for a senior suffering from Parkinson’s disease, home care is a very interesting option.
Depending on the progression of the disease, the person’s needs will change over time. Certainly, the help of family or a loved one who acts as a caregiver is a considerable asset. However, this caregiver must not overestimate his or her abilities and must allow himself or herself a little respite. That’s when home care assistance comes in!
Professional caregivers know how to be present to accompany the senior affected by the disease but also to provide good support to their loved ones. Through all the physical and emotional needs, the presence of a caring professional caregiver is reassuring.
The home care aide is available for all daily activities:
- help with meals ;
- assistance with personal hygiene
- health care;
- mobility assistance;
- accompaniment and transportation to outings and medical appointments;
- and more depending on the specific needs of the person.
To learn more about the different types of home care, we invite you to read this article on the subject.
Knowing how to surround yourself with people for an even better quality of life
At Visavie, we believe in the importance of home care. Our goal is to allow seniors who wish to remain at home to receive all the help they need. In this way, we want everyone to be able to live better with Parkinson’s disease.
Our approach to home care services at Visavie is person-centered. Our goals are to :
- Allow your elderly loved one to remain safely at home;
- Provide you with customized assistance services that are adapted to your needs;
- to preserve the maximum autonomy of the person;
- accompany him/her in all his/her daily activities;
- help you cope with the changes brought on by the disease as it progresses;
- support the family and all caregivers;
- and much more, depending on the personal needs of each person.
In the end, if you or an elderly loved one is facing Parkinson’s disease, do not hesitate to seek help! There are many resources available to support you as a family member, caregiver or person affected by the disease.
At Visavie, our experienced counsellors will guide you towards the best options for you. Depending on your reality and your needs, you will benefit from personalized support in order to learn to live better with Parkinson’s. Our professional caregivers offer a caring service with respect and dignity for the elderly. Whether moving to a senior’s residence or receiving care at home, the important thing is to find the best solution to ensure a good quality of life and optimal well-being. The options are there, don’t hesitate to discover them!
Ready to commit to personalized and complete support for Parkinson’s disease? Feel free to reach out to us today to explore the best retirement homes or the perfect options for home care services, whether for your needs or those of your loved one. Together, let’s plan a smooth transition.
