The characteristics of Parkinson’s are progressive, and over time, the disease will worsen. There are steps seniors can take to slow the progression of the disease and the ailments it causes. Below are some of the things that cause Parkinson’s to worsen and what can be done to address each issue.
Chronic Stress
Too much stress on the body can lead to increased damage to dopamine cells, causing Parkinson’s to accelerate. When seniors are unable to manage stress effectively, the acute stress could cause motor symptoms to worsen, which include tremors and freezing.
To enhance your senior loved one’s quality of life and slow the progression of this disease, encourage him or her to stay physically active, participate in purposeful activities, and find positive ways to manage the illness, such as joining a Parkinson’s support group. Another way to reduce stress is to schedule activities at a specific time during the day. For instance, if your loved one becomes anxious in the mornings, he or she can do a fun activity around this time to prevent stress levels from rising.
At some point, your loved one may benefit from having a professional caregiver help with everyday tasks. Families looking for top-rated home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Exhaustion
Failing to get enough sleep can cause the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to get worse as it progresses. Your loved one’s tolerance for the mental and physical effects of the disease could fluctuate, so he or she will need to take things slowly when it comes to exercise, diet, and social activities. Going at a slow pace can prevent exhaustion and allow your parent to sleep better throughout the night. The more sleep your loved one gets, the better his or her stress-regulating cells may function, providing energy, motivation, and confidence.
Many seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can continue to live at home, but they’ll likely need assistance from a family member or other caregiver to do so safely. For many seniors in Arlington, VA, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Ineffective Exercise Routines
The intensity and consistency of your loved one’s exercise routine could be the key to slowing the progression of Parkinson’s. Practical exercises can increase coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and stamina. Keep in mind the activities shouldn’t only provide physical benefits but also challenge the brain enough to prevent the disease from worsening at an accelerated rate. The most effective exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s include:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Pilates
- Weight training
Poor Eating Habits
The foods seniors with Parkinson’s eat may also interfere with the effectiveness of their medications, causing the disease to progress more rapidly and its symptoms to worsen. When this happens, it will feel as though the treatment is wearing off. Your loved one’s medications need to be optimized to prevent stiffness, increased slowness, constipation, weight gain, and worsening posture. In addition to eating healthy, seniors also need to drink at least six cups of water each day to make their medications more effective. The best foods for seniors with Parkinson’s include:
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Fish
- Beans
- Eggs
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to manage, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Arlington families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
