How can a Live-in Carer support someone who has Parkinson’s Disease/PD?

 

Most people living with Parkinson’s Disease would prefer to stay living in the comfort of their own home.  Living in your local community amongst a support network of friends and family can be reassuring. With full-time specialised Live-in care support, you have 24-hour care focused on your individual needs and preferences. You can tailor the Live-in service to maintain control and choice to live as independently as possible. Research has shown that receiving skilled care results in a lower risk of complications and a better quality of life.

 

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can include unintended or uncontrollable movements, stiffness, difficulties with co-ordination and balance. You may also experience fatigue, difficulties with communication and constipation. These symptoms can be safely managed in your home with the support of an experienced and skilled Live-in carer. Your PD Nurse will give guidance and support to you and your carer about managing your symptoms.

 

An Occupational Therapist can assess your home and you as an individual. They will identify any equipment needed to make your life easier. This will ensure your home is suitable for your needs and that your Live-in carer can support you safely. Your Live-in carer will be experienced with all types of mobility aids and equipment. They will help you to manage your Parkinson’s Disease and adjust to any new requirements.

 

Just some of the help a Live-in Carer can offer:

 

Support with personal care

- This might include showering, bathing, dressing, and undressing and general support with your personal appearance. Your Live-in Carer will be happy to help with shaving, hair care and make-up, jewellery, and nail care. Having Parkinson’s Disease need not a barrier to you looking good! Your Live-in carer will listen to your preferences and how you like things to be done and help accordingly.

 

Support with continence

- Your Live-in Carer can support you with accessing the bathroom, using the loo, or more complex support such as catheter and stoma care. Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. Other symptoms can be urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence. We introduce Live-in Carers who have the right experience & training who know exactly how to help you. They will also be able to monitor and track any changes and report any changes back to your Consultant or PD Nurse.  

 

Support with mobility

- Parkinson’s Disease can cause many issues with mobility. Amongst them, problems with posture, tremors and shaking, stiffness and freezing. You may find it hard to move around easily. This can be challenging or even prevent you from doing a wide range of different activities. Our experienced Live-in Carers are there to help you in any way they can. That might be helping you transfer, hoisting or just being there to help give you confidence. Knowing your Live-in Carer is there if you should freeze, fall or have an accident can help with worry. Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage your PD symptoms. It also has a positive impact both physically and mentally. Your Carer will be happy to support you with walking or swimming or other exercise you may choose.

 

Assisting with medication

– Your Live-in Carer will be fully trained in the safe administration of medication. There is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, but medication plays a key role. Your Live-in Carer will be happy to support you to keep track of your medications. They will help you remember when each drug should be taken to avoid the downs associated with missed doses. They will help with ordering and collecting prescriptions. Your Live-in Carer can help you liaise with your GP, Consultant or PD Nurse if any changes are needed.

 

Domestic Duties

- These can prove challenging when you have Parkinson’s Disease and are dealing with fatigue and movement issues. Your Live-in Carer will help with the day-to-day running of your home including light housework and laundry. Some of our specialist Live-in Carers also love gardening. Vision and concentration difficulties can be a symptom of PD. Your Carer will also help with other activities such as dealing with correspondence and supporting with online shopping.

 

Preparing and Cooking Meals

– Prepared to your wishes using fresh ingredients, ensuring you are provided with a nutritious and balanced diet. Our Carers will welcome your input in the kitchen and cooking together can be an enjoyable social activity. Our Live-in Carers will also accommodate any special dietary requirements, including a soft diet if eating and swallowing are difficult. They will work alongside your Speech and Language Therapist to support you as needed. Sometimes in advanced Parkinson’s Disease, PEG or tube feeding might be recommended. We have Live-in Carers trained and experienced to assist you in this area.

 

Companionship

– Chatting and watching TV or listening to music together. A lot of our Live-in Carers stay with their clients for a long time and become friends. Feeling companionship is a vital part of maintaining emotional stability.

 

Pet Care

– Pets can have a beneficial effect on mental health for everyone and that includes people with Parkinson’s Disease. Our Live-in carers will enjoy helping you take care of your beloved pets when you need a bit more support. That may include walking them, feeding them and arranging or supporting with vet visits when needed.

 

Support to arrange and attend activities in and out of the home

- Visits to friends and family or attending places of interest to you. This might include National Trust gardens, shopping, community groups and clubs, visits to your hairdresser, masseur, etc. A Live-in carer will facilitate and welcome your loved ones to visit you at home.

 

Support with your physical and mental health

– Your Live-in Carer will support you to contact your local surgery for GP or district nurse input. They will also be able to help you contact your PD Nurse or Consultant. Your Live-in Carer will be able to support and accompany you to GP and hospital appointments. An experienced Live-in Carer will understand the emotional impact Parkinson’s Disease can have on their client. They will be sensitive to your needs and understand the daily challenges you face. 

​

Support with cognitive difficulties

– Your Live-in Carer can help if are suffering cognitive problems caused by Parkinson’s Disease. They will help you remember things such as important dates, appointments, and birthdays. You may also have difficulties communicating, talking faster and quieter than is usual. Your Live-in Carer can help you speak to your family, friends & professionals when you need assistance. They are also there to help understand and process important information, for example instructions from your doctor.