Arthritis
Arthritis is a common, often lifelong, condition that is characterised by pain and inflammation in one or more joint.
Parkinson’s is a condition in which part of the brain becomes increasingly damaged over the course of many years. One in every 500 people suffer from Parkinson’s disease in the UK, and it is generally considered to typically affect older people. However, whilst onset is more common in people over 50 years of age, one in twenty people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are under the age of 40. The disease affects both males and females but occurs about 50% more in men.
The main symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, slow movements, stiff and inflexible muscles, decline in memory and anosmia. This is caused by the destruction of the nerve cells that generate dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that helps the entire body control muscle movement; therefore without dopamine it becomes impossible for the brain to send the appropriate signal to muscles in the body.
Symptoms can fluctuate and differ vastly between sufferers. Many people will begin to notice symptoms long before they receive a medical diagnosis. Despite there being no known cure for Parkinson’s disease currently, it is important to get an early diagnosis. This allows you to receive the appropriate treatment, domiciliary care and support in order to continue living a normal life as possible.
Advance knows very well that caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be a very stressful time. That is why we train our team members to minimise the disruption of a Parkinson’s diagnosis by providing the support families and friends need to help them cope. Together, we create a support plan that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences, allowing you to stay in the comfort of your own home, and in control of your routine.
Specifically trained to provide Parkinson’s support, our team members offer assistance ranging from help around the home to personal care. From meal preparation and household chores, to helping with more personal issues like washing and toileting – Advance are there to carry out all the practical care aspects giving family and friends the opportunity to spend significant periods of quality time with their loved one in between.
Our support assistants are also there to offer emotional support and companionship. They understand that while helping their clients with the medical aspects of Parkinson’s support, or assisting with practical duties such as shopping and laundry is important, so is reminiscing and chatting about shared interests. This is why we ensure you are matched with a support assistant who not only has the relevant skill set, but also has a complementary personality.
Continuity of care is essential; the symptoms of Parkinson’s are less heightened in familiar surroundings with familiar people. Therefore, we ensure that you are introduced to an intimate group of support assistants, who all get to know you and your requirements extensively and can give you continuity of support. Our Parkinson’s care includes:
Deciding to let a support assistant into your home for you or a loved one can be difficult. Deciding how best to support and treat the resulting issues of Parkinson’s is something that, understandably, worries people considering homecare for a client with Parkinson’s disease. Our experienced friendly team members are here to explain all aspects of the stroke care and support services we offer, and provide quality, impartial advice and information.
Explore our care services.
