Typical Physical Effects Experienced by Ageing Adults with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that affects movement in the entire body. The disease is progressive and typically begins with symptoms that are easily dismissed until they affect everyday life. Though there’s no cure for the disease, medications and treatments are available to help with symptoms. Look for these common physical effects your senior loved one may experience as a result of having Parkinson’s disease.
Tremors
Slight shaking, a common effect of Parkinson’s disease, is typically one of the earliest symptoms noticed. Tremors often begin in the fingers or hands. Your loved one may experience shaking when doing regular tasks, such as picking up a fork or typing on a cell phone. Seniors may also experience what’s known as “pill-rolling tremors,” which cause the thumb and forefinger to rub together spontaneously.
Stiffness
Muscle stiffness, or rigidity, can occur throughout the body, and it may be more pronounced in the morning or after your loved one has been sitting for a long time. This stiffness may make it difficult to move.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with everyday activities, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Ageing adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our care workers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Slow Movement
Stiff muscles and difficulty with movement may result in moving slowly, a condition known as bradykinesia. You may notice your loved one has a shorter gait and takes small steps or has difficulty standing up after sitting. Your loved one may get frustrated as simple tasks take a longer time to accomplish.
Balance Impairment
Balance problems are a serious concern in seniors with Parkinson’s disease. Your loved one may experience reduced coordination and impaired balance. You may notice these balance issues become more pronounced when your loved one tries to make an abrupt movement or attempts to turn while moving. Balance problems can cause seniors with Parkinson’s disease to fall easily, which can lead to serious injuries. Using a walker or a cane may prevent falls from occurring.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Sydney seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Urinary Disorders
As the disease progresses, your loved one may begin experiencing problems with urination. Nocturia, or nighttime urination, may happen more often. Frequent urges to urinate during the day may also occur. These urges may become so frequent that they interrupt sleep or lead to problems in social situations. The urges may also cause incontinence or involuntary urination. Incontinence may be more pronounced when your loved one is drinking water or hears water running.
Constipation
Parkinson’s disease affects the amount of dopamine in the body. A lack of dopamine can cause the intestines to move slowly, resulting in constipation, which can be very uncomfortable and may lead to severe pain or bowel leakage. The doctor may recommend increasing the amount of fiber in your loved one’s diet to ease constipation.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional care worker can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Sydney senior care agency you can trust. Our care workers 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. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customised aged care plan, call [hca_phone] today.
