If your senior loved one has developed Parkinson’s, you and your family have probably heard about a number of treatment options. While there are many medical treatments available for seniors with Parkinson’s, natural treatments may also be a good option. To help you understand some alternative treatments, here are several natural ways to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms.
Stretching
Seniors with Parkinson’s frequently experience stiff and uncomfortable muscles. To reduce some muscle tension, have your loved one reach his or her arms out and lay his or her hands flat on the wall. From there, have your loved one extend and retract his or her arms for a full minute. Then have your loved one turn and extend his or her arms backward to touch the wall. Both of these stretches provide a way to relieve some stiffness in the upper back, shoulders, and arms.
Reduced Protein
Because too much protein can inhibit certain Parkinson’s medications for muscle tremors, you may want to consider having your loved one adopt a vegetarian diet. If your loved one isn’t willing to give up meat, you can also limit his or her protein intake by only servving meat at one meal every day. Prepare healthy meals that are full of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes to ensure your loved one doesn’t feel deprived without meat.
Preparing nutritious meals and managing other tasks can be difficult for aging adults with Parkinson’s disease. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Arlington families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Balance Exercises
As one of the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s is difficulty with balance, adopting certain daily exercises may help your loved one maintain his or her sense of equilibrium. Using a metronome to help your loved one walk at a slow and steady pace, ask your relative to take large steps, practicing proper heel-to-toe form, while going down a clear hallway. You may also ask your loved one to focus on standing up straight to enhance his or her posture and balance.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Easy-to-Navigate Environment
Seniors with Parkinson’s frequently experience a shuffling gait, which puts them at risk for having their shoes snag on loose cords, cables, or area rugs. Likewise, difficulty maintaining balance can increase the chances of falling.
To help your loved one navigate the home safely and independently, clear stray objects from the floors and add mobility aids throughout the house. Grab bars installed in bathrooms and bedrooms can be especially helpful when your loved one is trying to bathe, get dressed, and sit or stand. For seniors with mobility challenges like Parkinson’s, a professional in-home caregiver can make living safely and independently at home easier.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Arlington, VA, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to schedule a free consultation.
