Care ABC: P for care and Parkinson's disease

Peter has learned how to deal with his Parkinson's disease. Learn valuable tips on how to cope and how you can best support people with Parkinson's in everyday life - together we can overcome this challenge.

Elderly man gets up from a hospital bed with help, symbolizing recovery and support in medical care.

Imagine you go for a walk every morning and enjoy the fresh air and the exercise. But suddenly you feel your step slow down, your legs feel heavy and your hands start to shake. For many people with Parkinson's disease, this becomes a reality. Peter, a sufferer, has learned to cope with his Parkinson's disease - but it hasn't been easy.

The diagnosis of Parkinson's brings many changes with it. Movements become slower, and the simplest hand movements require more strength. But with the right support, sufferers like Peter can lead a full life. In this article, you will learn about the symptoms of Parkinson's and how you as a carer or Attached can best support people with this disease in their everyday lives. Because together you can overcome this challenge.

 

What is Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the nervous system that primarily affects the ability to move. It is one of the most common neurological diseases and usually occurs at an advanced age. The British physician James Parkinson first described the disease in 1817 as "shaking palsy", a disease characterized by tremors and stiff movements.

At the heart of Parkinson's disease is the progressive loss of nerve cells in a specific area of the brain. These cells are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that ensures smooth and coordinated movements. Due to the lack of this neurotransmitter, those affected gradually lose control of their movements, which causes the typical symptoms After, or rather because the exact causes of the disease are not fully understood, most cases are what is known as "idiopathic Parkinson's syndrome", which means that there is no clear underlying cause. 

 

Symptoms and progression of Parkinson's disease

Nurse holding the hand of an elderly patient, symbolizing empathy and care in nursing.

Peter tries to bring a spoon to his mouth, but his hand suddenly begins to tremble as if it were living against his will. Trembling is one of the first and most noticeable signs of Parkinson's disease. It often starts in one hand while the person is holding it still and slowly spreads to other parts of the body. It is as if the body contradicts the simplest movements that used to come so naturally. However, trembling is not the only symptom, as the most common symptoms also include:

  • Muscle stiffness: Those affected experience a persistent tightening of the muscles, which means that movements that were once easy and fluid - such as tying your shoes or opening a bottle - suddenly feel like you are fighting against an invisible resistance. This stiffness runs through the muscles and can lead to pain, making everyday life even more difficult.

  • Motion-slowdown: The ability to perform fast and fluid movements decreases. The affected person wants to stand up quickly or simply cross the room, but the legs react with a delay, almost as if they have lost the connection to their own will. Everyday tasks such as getting dressed or writing become a real challenge - they take much longer than usual.                              

    • Physical instability: A later symptom of Parkinson's disease is the disturbance of posture and balance. The body feels unsteady and the gait becomes wobbly, as if standing on a swaying floor. The danger of falling is constantly present, which is an additional worry not only for those affected, but also for carers and relatives.

All of these symptoms can occur and worsen as the disease progresses. This can be divided into different phases:   

  1. Early stage: It starts inconspicuously. You or the person affected may notice that one hand trembles at rest or that movements slow down. These mild symptoms are often all that is noticed at first.     
  2. Middle stage:The symptoms increase in intensity. The tremors affect both sides of the body and movements become increasingly laborious. Everyday tasks that previously required little thought, such as reaching for a glass or getting up from a chair, are now minor challenges.
  3. Late stage: The disease progresses and the limitations become more severe. Posture becomes more unstable and the risk of falling increases. Most people affected now need intensive care and support.

Parkinson's disease is progressive and incurable, but with targeted care and therapy, symptoms can be alleviated and quality of life improved. Early detection and adaptation of care to individual needs are crucial in order to enable those affected to lead a self-determined life for as long as possible.

 

Care and support for Parkinson's patients

Nurse explaining documents to an elderly woman, symbolizing support with administrative tasks in care.

Caring for someone with Parkinson's is like a journey through different landscapes - from rolling hills in the early stages to steep mountains in the advanced stages. Each stage brings new challenges, and support must adapt to these ever-changing needs. Like a companion who stands by those affected, caregivers and relatives must respond to changes, always with an open ear and a watchful eye.

Special care requirements for different stages of the disease:

  • Early stage:In the first phase of this journey, those affected are often still quite independent. They still go through life alone, but every now and then they need a gentle nudge to find the right path. The aim here is to offer a little help, be it with shopping or organizing doctor's appointments. Like a hiker who occasionally needs a map for orientation, those affected should be supported in their everyday lives, but not patronized.
  • Middle stage: The disease takes a deeper hold, and the obstacles in its path become more numerous and harder to overcome. Movements become more cumbersome, like wading through thick mud. Now those affected need more support - not only to get over the obstacles of everyday life, but also to stand safely when the path gets bumpy. Help with dressing, eating or personal hygiene is very important at this stage. The caregivers or caregiving relatives become a constant companion who is always there to provide support.
  • Late stage: In the last phase of the disease, the days resemble steep climbs. Every movement, every action requires immense effort. Those affected are now dependent on comprehensive care. Like a hiker who can no longer walk alone, they need constant support - be it with personal hygiene, mobility or taking medication. Carers and relatives must work hand in hand to ensure that no step is too difficult.

Tips to promote mobility and independence

The challenge that Parkinson's disease brings is like a heavy storm blowing through the gentle meadows of everyday life. But there are ways to tame this storm and preserve the mobility and independence of those affected for as long as possible.

Practical tips for improving mobility

Nurse helps a young woman with fitness exercises, promoting health and movement in nursing.

Physiotherapy can be like a breath of fresh air that gets stiff joints flowing again. Regular exercises strengthen the muscles and help to maintain mobility. Even everyday movements, such as slowly standing up from a chair or consciously walking, become small victories on the way to greater independence. Aids such as rollators and grab rails act as reliable companions that provide safety and prevent falls.

Promoting independence

Nurse in green clothing supports elderly man with walking aid.

Despite the challenges, you should encourage those affected to do as much as possible themselves. Getting dressed or eating may take more time, but every step they take independently boosts their self-confidence. Technical aids such as lifts or height-adjustable beds become loyal friends that make everyday life easier and maintain independence.

Dealing with postural instability and falls

Care staff helping a senior with a walking frame, symbolizing mobility assistance and rehabilitation in care.

When your balance gets wobbly, targeted balance exercises are like a stabilizing walking aid. They help to reduce the risk of falls. A tidy home, free of obstacles, is like a clear path that leads safely through life's challenges. Safety measures such as wearable emergency call buttons are the invisible guardian angels that are on hand in difficult moments.

In our article "Getting back up after a fall - mentally and physically" as well as "Fall prevention" you can read more about falls.

Use of tools

Elderly woman sitting alone in her room, looking at her walker, symbolizing loneliness and mobility needs in old age.

Assistive devices are like the little helpers on this journey. From ergonomically designed cutlery that makes eating easier to care beds that make it easier to get up - they help to make everyday life more pleasant and safer. With these practical aids, those affected can maintain their independence and feel more comfortable in their surroundings. But these aids can also make care easier for you as a carer or relative.

Early adaptation of living spaces

Senior climbs the stairs with an automatic stairlift

The home should be a safe haven - barrier-free living transforms it into a place of security. Wider doors and grab rails give those affected security, while non-slip floors give them the freedom to move around without fear. Adaptable furniture such as height-adjustable beds ensure that they feel comfortable and can remain independent.

Through these measures, the storm of Parkinson's disease is somewhat tamed, and those affected can remain active and independent as they find their way through life's challenges.

 

noracares as support in Parkinson's care

Carer talking to an elderly patient in a cosy living room, symbolizing trust and communication in care.

In the complex world of Parkinson's care comes noracares like a reliable compass that supports caregivers and relatives in their daily work. As a digital platform, noracares offers innovative solutions that make everyday care work much easier. This makes organizing nursing staff and scheduling simple and efficient, which optimizes patient care. Even if a caring relative or the Caregiver unavailable, a replacement can be found quickly on the platform. This improved planning allows care staff to make better use of their time and concentrate on the essentials - the individual care of those affected.

In addition, noracares helps to reduce the burden on relatives and care staff and increase the quality of care with sustainable digital solutions. By automating administrative tasks, there is more time for personal interaction with those affected. This digital support makes it possible to increase the quality of life of Parkinson's patients while promoting a better work-life balance. In the world of care, noracares is thus becoming an important partner that supports both relatives and professionals in their valuable work.

 

Graphic of Nurse Nora with a stethoscope around her neck and the text 'Nora's Conclusion' on a green banner. Closing remark or summary in the health sector.

The journey through the challenges of Parkinson's disease can often feel like a rocky road, riddled with uncertainties and setbacks. But like a tree that digs its roots deep into the ground during stormy times, those affected and their loved ones can also find strength during this time. With every small step taken towards independence and mobility, the light of hope becomes brighter.

The support of caregivers, the nurturing of innovative tools and the valuable resources of platforms like noracares are like gentle winds filling the sail on this challenging course. Together, we can navigate the waves of uncertainty and reach a harbor of security and quality of life.

It is important to know that no one has to walk this path alone. The community that rallies around those affected is strong and full of understanding. Encourage your loved ones and yourself to break new ground and seek help. Together we can overcome this challenge, and there is always a way to make life with Parkinson's more enjoyable.

Register today at noracares and find your valuable support!