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What Signs Can Warn Seniors About Parkinson’s Disease?

Home Care Assistance in Bay City TX: The earlier family members notice the signs of Parkinson’s disease, the earlier seniors can get start treatment.
Home Care Assistance in Bay City TX
Home Care Assistance in Bay City TX

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that affects how people are able to move their bodies. In the later stages, symptoms are more obvious. But in the earlier stages, it’s easy to miss some of the signs and attribute them to something else. Home care assistance can help seniors to cope with practical needs while they learn more about their condition.

Slower Movement

In the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease, seniors may start to experience slower movement that is more difficult for them. This might make it more difficult for them to walk, get dressed, or do activities that they always managed well on their own. It’s easy to dismiss these changes at first as just being a normal part of aging, but there might be more to it. Home care providers can help seniors with these tasks so that they can conserve some of their energy.

Stiff Muscles

Muscle stiffness is common for people in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. It might feel as if they just have a sore muscle, but the stiffness limits range of motion and is often uncomfortable. People with Parkinson’s disease might experience muscle stiffness in any muscles, not just the large muscles of the body. Stretching can help, but it’s important for seniors to mention changes like muscle stiffness to their doctors as soon as possible so they can get an accurate diagnosis.

Shaking or Tremors

Although shaking and tremors are a recognizable symptom of Parkinson’s disease, in the beginning it’s easy to not notice smaller tremors for what they are. These tremors often occur when seniors are resting, sometimes feeling like the muscle is restless. Moving can help at first, but as Parkinson’s disease progresses, moving is less successful in controlling the tremors.

Balance and Posture Changes

Because Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease, people in the early stages might start to have more trouble maintaining their balance. Falls are more common for people in the earlier stages of Parkinson’s disease, too. Seniors may experience posture changes, stooping more while they stand and walk. Another sign of this might be if seniors start to lean more on furniture and walls as they walk through their homes. Home care assistance can help family caregivers stay aware of what’s happening.

Sleep Issues and Fatigue

In the earliest stages of Parkinson’s disease, seniors may find that they’re not able to sleep well. They may experience fatigue even when they do sleep, because of the changes their bodies are experiencing. Activities of daily living might become more difficult for seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, too, so it helps to have home care assistance available to handle those tasks.

Early detection makes a huge difference for seniors with Parkinson’s disease. By seeing a doctor quickly and getting an accurate diagnosis, seniors can begin treatment sooner and manage their symptoms as well as possible. Home care assistance can work with seniors to help them maintain their independence for as long as they can, continuing to age in place even as Parkinson’s progresses.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Bay City, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (713) 547-4992.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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