Caregiving is a highly rewarding task, particularly if you are looking out for your elderly loved one. But when it comes to eldercare, Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that the heavy responsibilities associated with this activity can prove damaging to your mental health. Caregiver burnout and depression are quite common among family members and professionals who work to ensure that elderly individuals are safe, healthy, and have everything they need to live the highest quality life possible. Eldercare professionals offer the following tips for maintaining positive mental health so that you can best take care of your loved one.
Take Advantage of Respite Care
Respite care occurs when a caregiver needs a few days or weeks off and has another individual take over the care of an elderly loved one during this time period. Whether you call upon a family member, friend, or professional, it is important to give yourself a break as needed in order to keep yourself from becoming burned out.
Talk to Professionals
Caregiving is a very demanding task, one that forces you to face the mortality of your loved one—and yourself—head on in some cases. This is an incredibly emotional experience, and talking to a professional can help you sort through those emotions in a healthy manner. If you feel as though you are starting to develop depression, or if you want to prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a professional to keep yourself healthy. Remember, you cannot take the best care of your loved one if you don't first take care of yourself.
Don't Abandon Your Own Life
All too often individuals dedicate every waking hour to their elderly loved ones, leaving them socially isolated. It is important that you keep up with friends and other family members and that you take time to get out of the house and enjoy their company. Make sure you engage in your favorite hobbies to keep your own life going as you help your senior do the same.
Ultimately, caregiver burnout and depression are natural responses to the responsibilities of eldercare. But with the right approach, you can address and prevent these issues before they become serious concerns.
Showing posts with label home care burlington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home care burlington. Show all posts
Friday, September 6, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Seniors and Pets
A leader in home care, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro has long served to assist its professionals in helping seniors to create the best living spaces possible. For many elderly individuals, a positive, comfortable living environment encompasses beloved pets. Dogs and cats are most popular, but some seniors have birds and other pets, too. But is it really in your elderly loved one's best interest to take on the responsibility of a pet, and can your home care provider help in the care of the animal?
Pros of Having a Pet
Ultimately, pets provide a great deal of comfort to seniors. Individuals who are living alone, particularly, can benefit from the companionship of an animal. Dogs and cats are wonderful options, as they provide physical contact that has been shown to keep anxiety levels down and ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness. Pets can also be great sources of exercise to their owners, as dogs require daily walks and can serve to get their seniors out and about.
Cons of Having a Pet
While the companionship that a pet provides is undeniably beneficial to seniors, it is also true that there are some challenges that elderly individuals may face when trying to care for their animals. First and foremost are concerns of mobility, as seniors who cannot go for walks with their dogs may not be able to provide them with the amount of exercise that they need to stay healthy. Additionally, elderly individuals who have cats may have difficulty cleaning out the litter box on a regular basis, as this often requires bending over and handling large, heavy containers of litter. Finally, actually purchasing and transporting large bags of food and litter may be difficult for seniors.
Asking for Assistance
When considering whether or not to get a new pet or to keep a current one, it is important for seniors to determine what help they need and where they can find it. Oftentimes, home care providers can assist with the feeding of animals and other tasks, but this is something that should be approached on a case by case basis. If your loved one is facing challenges with this regard, talk to their eldercare professional to see how they can help.
Pros of Having a Pet
Ultimately, pets provide a great deal of comfort to seniors. Individuals who are living alone, particularly, can benefit from the companionship of an animal. Dogs and cats are wonderful options, as they provide physical contact that has been shown to keep anxiety levels down and ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness. Pets can also be great sources of exercise to their owners, as dogs require daily walks and can serve to get their seniors out and about.
Cons of Having a Pet
While the companionship that a pet provides is undeniably beneficial to seniors, it is also true that there are some challenges that elderly individuals may face when trying to care for their animals. First and foremost are concerns of mobility, as seniors who cannot go for walks with their dogs may not be able to provide them with the amount of exercise that they need to stay healthy. Additionally, elderly individuals who have cats may have difficulty cleaning out the litter box on a regular basis, as this often requires bending over and handling large, heavy containers of litter. Finally, actually purchasing and transporting large bags of food and litter may be difficult for seniors.
Asking for Assistance
When considering whether or not to get a new pet or to keep a current one, it is important for seniors to determine what help they need and where they can find it. Oftentimes, home care providers can assist with the feeding of animals and other tasks, but this is something that should be approached on a case by case basis. If your loved one is facing challenges with this regard, talk to their eldercare professional to see how they can help.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Is Home Care the Best Option for Your Family?
The professionals in home care at Always Best Care of Burlington-Greensboro understand that aging in place is not always easy for seniors or their families. As individuals age, they require an increasing amount of assistance in maintaining their homes, their health, and their quality of life. As such, many families believe that moving their elderly loved ones into an assisted living or nursing home is the best route, as they will have access to the support they need. But the truth is that there is another option: home care. With the home care services that are provided by elder care professionals, seniors have the ability to age in place without compromising their homes, their health, or their quality of life. While this is a wonderful option for many families, though, it is important to know whether or not home care is right for your loved one.
Who Benefits Most from Home Care?
Ultimately, home care is best suited for individuals who are interested in aging in place and who do not suffer from any major health conditions. The professionals who care for elderly individuals in their homes often provide the following services:
If your elderly loved one has medical needs you may hire a trained and certified professional to provide for these needs in their home; however, certain conditions are best cared for in a nursing or other facility.
Talking to Your Loved One
It is important to remember that, when your senior gets older, they may still have an opinion about the care that they receive. As such, it is crucial that you speak with your elderly loved one about their wishes and that you and your family members try to find a way to honor these wishes if possible. Should your senior want to age in place, you can certainly call upon the assistance of home care professionals to keep them safe and healthy as they do so.
Who Benefits Most from Home Care?
Ultimately, home care is best suited for individuals who are interested in aging in place and who do not suffer from any major health conditions. The professionals who care for elderly individuals in their homes often provide the following services:
- Assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, eating, bathing, personal grooming, etc.
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation
- Medication administration
If your elderly loved one has medical needs you may hire a trained and certified professional to provide for these needs in their home; however, certain conditions are best cared for in a nursing or other facility.
Talking to Your Loved One
It is important to remember that, when your senior gets older, they may still have an opinion about the care that they receive. As such, it is crucial that you speak with your elderly loved one about their wishes and that you and your family members try to find a way to honor these wishes if possible. Should your senior want to age in place, you can certainly call upon the assistance of home care professionals to keep them safe and healthy as they do so.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Protecting Your Senior Against the Heat this Summer
Summer is a favorite season of many individuals, as it provides the chance to soak up some sun and enjoy the warmer temperatures. But for those seniors living in the South, these temperatures may become dangerously high—and they can actually lead to several life-threatening medical complications. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, encourage you to learn what these medical complications are and how you can help your elderly loved one prevent them.
Health Concerns: What Can High Temperatures Do?
When your senior is exposed to exceedingly high temperatures they can develop a long list of medical conditions. These include hyperthermia, heat fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat syncope (which manifests as sudden dizziness), heat cramps, and heat stroke. Some of these conditions, if not addressed right away, can lead to serious health concerns and, in extreme cases, death. As such, it is integral that you know how to protect your senior against these issues.
Tips for Keeping Elderly Individuals Cool this Summer
First and foremost, make sure that your loved one has access to a cool living environment. If they do not have central air conditioning in their home, help them to install window units so that they can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout their living space.
If your senior is determined to spend time outside, make sure that they do so during the early morning hours before the heat of the day has set in. On mornings that are particularly hot and humid, though, encourage your loved one to stay inside—particularly if they have heart, kidney, or lung disease or suffer from poor circulation.
When your elderly loved one is ready to spend some time out of the house, help them choose indoor destinations that will provide a comfortable environment. For instance, they may visit the local mall, go see a movie, or spend time at the community center. This will help them to keep cool without having to stay in their house at all times.
The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance (http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) know that summer is a very dangerous time of year for seniors, as the heat can cause truly devastating medical complications. As such, these professionals urge you to follow these recommendations when caring for your loved one. If you suspect that your senior is being affected by the heat it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.
Health Concerns: What Can High Temperatures Do?
When your senior is exposed to exceedingly high temperatures they can develop a long list of medical conditions. These include hyperthermia, heat fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat syncope (which manifests as sudden dizziness), heat cramps, and heat stroke. Some of these conditions, if not addressed right away, can lead to serious health concerns and, in extreme cases, death. As such, it is integral that you know how to protect your senior against these issues.
Tips for Keeping Elderly Individuals Cool this Summer
First and foremost, make sure that your loved one has access to a cool living environment. If they do not have central air conditioning in their home, help them to install window units so that they can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout their living space.
If your senior is determined to spend time outside, make sure that they do so during the early morning hours before the heat of the day has set in. On mornings that are particularly hot and humid, though, encourage your loved one to stay inside—particularly if they have heart, kidney, or lung disease or suffer from poor circulation.
When your elderly loved one is ready to spend some time out of the house, help them choose indoor destinations that will provide a comfortable environment. For instance, they may visit the local mall, go see a movie, or spend time at the community center. This will help them to keep cool without having to stay in their house at all times.
The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance (http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) know that summer is a very dangerous time of year for seniors, as the heat can cause truly devastating medical complications. As such, these professionals urge you to follow these recommendations when caring for your loved one. If you suspect that your senior is being affected by the heat it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Summer Bonding: Activities for Your Kids and Elderly Parents
By Joanne Pizzuto
The summer is a great chance for your kids and your elderly parents to spend some time together, as your children are out of school and you may have to bring them with you to care for your seniors if they require extra help during the week. As such, the summer is a wonderful opportunity for your kids and your parents to get to know one another and create lifelong memories. Having a great relationship with their grandparents is a wonderful way for your kids to enjoy their company and create the supportive familial network that will help them to get through the challenges they face as they grow. Below are some activities that you can facilitate to allow your kids and your parents to spend some quality time together this summer.
The summer is a great chance for your kids and your elderly parents to spend some time together, as your children are out of school and you may have to bring them with you to care for your seniors if they require extra help during the week. As such, the summer is a wonderful opportunity for your kids and your parents to get to know one another and create lifelong memories. Having a great relationship with their grandparents is a wonderful way for your kids to enjoy their company and create the supportive familial network that will help them to get through the challenges they face as they grow. Below are some activities that you can facilitate to allow your kids and your parents to spend some quality time together this summer.
- When you go to your parents' house to clean and take care of routine activities (such as helping pay bills, etc.) bring your children along. Bring a board game, puzzle, or other favorite activity that your kids and your parents can work on together. If your loved ones complete a puzzle, frame it so that they have something to remember their fun times together for years to come.
- Invite your parents along when your kids have extracurricular activities. For instance, team sporting events are a wonderful occasion for your seniors to get out of the house and support their grandchildren in their endeavors. Plan to spend some family time before or after the activity so that all of your loved ones can enjoy one another's company.
- To beat the heat, schedule trips to the local museum or to the movie theater. Many local theaters offer free movies to kids on the weekends and can provide a great setting for your family members to bond while enjoying some of their favorite films.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Keeping Your Senior Active While Avoiding the Summer Heat
By Joanne Pizzuto
Staying physically active is important for people of all ages, but for seniors, in particular, it is crucial that they are able to engage in physical activities that promote their wellbeing, maintain their range of motion, and help to keep their cardiovascular and other systems healthy. During the cooler months, strolls around the block and other outdoor activities are wonderful options for elderly individuals who are looking to stay fit. But during the summer the heat can prove exceptionally dangerous. The following suggestions can help you to guide your senior toward physical activities that keep them fit without subjecting them to the soaring summer temperatures.
Indoor Athletics
If your senior enjoys working out, such as walking or doing water aerobics, help them to choose a gym that suits their needs and allows them to engage in these activities indoors. There are many athletic complexes that offer indoor facilities, and your loved one will also benefit from having the support of a trained gym staff on hand.
Active Pastimes
Instead of sitting at home watching television or reading, get your senior out of the house and moving around. Go to the mall and walk around for an hour or so to get in some cardio and peruse the latest merchandise. Likewise, you and your elderly loved one may opt to visit the local museum to check out the latest exhibitions. Choose somewhere that is air conditioned, offers places to rest, and has access to water and food. This will allow you to enjoy an active and fun afternoon out while beating the heat.
Outdoor Activities in Moderation
If your senior is bent on spending time outside, say if they want to tend to their garden, it is important that they do so during the coolest parts of the day. Have them get all of their outdoor activity done during the early morning hours, before the heat of the day. This will allow them to benefit from the cooler morning temperatures while staying out of direct sunlight.
Summer is a season that many people look forward to after a long winter, but it is important that elderly individuals stay both active and safe during these warmer months. These activities can help your senior keep their activity level up without risking too much exposure to the heat.
Staying physically active is important for people of all ages, but for seniors, in particular, it is crucial that they are able to engage in physical activities that promote their wellbeing, maintain their range of motion, and help to keep their cardiovascular and other systems healthy. During the cooler months, strolls around the block and other outdoor activities are wonderful options for elderly individuals who are looking to stay fit. But during the summer the heat can prove exceptionally dangerous. The following suggestions can help you to guide your senior toward physical activities that keep them fit without subjecting them to the soaring summer temperatures.
Indoor Athletics
If your senior enjoys working out, such as walking or doing water aerobics, help them to choose a gym that suits their needs and allows them to engage in these activities indoors. There are many athletic complexes that offer indoor facilities, and your loved one will also benefit from having the support of a trained gym staff on hand.
Active Pastimes
Instead of sitting at home watching television or reading, get your senior out of the house and moving around. Go to the mall and walk around for an hour or so to get in some cardio and peruse the latest merchandise. Likewise, you and your elderly loved one may opt to visit the local museum to check out the latest exhibitions. Choose somewhere that is air conditioned, offers places to rest, and has access to water and food. This will allow you to enjoy an active and fun afternoon out while beating the heat.
Outdoor Activities in Moderation
If your senior is bent on spending time outside, say if they want to tend to their garden, it is important that they do so during the coolest parts of the day. Have them get all of their outdoor activity done during the early morning hours, before the heat of the day. This will allow them to benefit from the cooler morning temperatures while staying out of direct sunlight.
Summer is a season that many people look forward to after a long winter, but it is important that elderly individuals stay both active and safe during these warmer months. These activities can help your senior keep their activity level up without risking too much exposure to the heat.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Parkinson's Disease: What Are the Treatment Options?
By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease has no known cure, although researchers are working ardently to continue to explore options with this regard. But this doesn't mean that individuals who have Parkinson's disease must face this condition without any assistance from their medical professionals. In fact, there are several different treatment options that seniors who have this illness can call upon in order to improve their quality of life and manage the symptoms of the disease.[1]
Parkinson's disease has no known cure, although researchers are working ardently to continue to explore options with this regard. But this doesn't mean that individuals who have Parkinson's disease must face this condition without any assistance from their medical professionals. In fact, there are several different treatment options that seniors who have this illness can call upon in order to improve their quality of life and manage the symptoms of the disease.[1]
First and foremost, it is important to note that, because of
the many systems of the body and aspects of life that Parkinson's disease can
impact, it often takes a team of healthcare and other professionals to develop
a treatment plan that best fits an individual's case. This team may comprise a
neurologist, therapists (including speech, physical, and occupational),
counselors, dietitians, and even social workers. Together, these professionals
will strive to improve quality of life by enhancing mobility and function and
reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as rigidity and tremor.
To achieve their goals, medical teams frequently call upon
both pharmaceutical and surgical options. Pharmaceutical options are often
attempted first, as they are not invasive and present lower risk to patients.
Individuals who have Parkinson's disease may be prescribed a wide range of
medications, including:
- Neupro
- Deprenyl
- Artane
- Dopar
- Cogentin
- Larodopa
- Comtan
- Sinemet
- Tasmar
- Requip
- Mirapex
When these drugs are ineffective, or if an individual has a
negative response to them, then medical teams may further consider the surgical
options that may prove beneficial for seniors. The decision to perform surgery
also depends on the medical history of the patient, the symptoms that they are
experiencing, and other considerations. If surgery is recommended, medical
teams may advise that individuals undergo one of the following procedures: deep
brain stimulation, gamma knife, pallidotomy, or thalamotomy.
If your elderly loved one has Parkinson's disease it is a
good idea to familiarize yourself with the treatment options available so that
you can work with their medical team to advocate for their best interest.
Should you have any questions regarding the treatment plan recommended by your
loved one's healthcare professionals it is best to ask for more information.
The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.
Our Resources page may also provide needed information.
We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you. It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed. If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately. Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.
Call today (336) 512-6744
[1] Information in article from http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-treatment-options
Monday, April 22, 2013
Parkinson's Disease: What Are the Symptoms?
By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that interferes with the brain's ability to control the body. Simply speaking, the neurons in the brain die for as of yet unknown causes. When this happens, they release dopamine. This surge in dopamine interferes with the remaining neurons' ability to manage the movement of the body.[1] As such, the symptoms that individuals experience with regard to this condition are often related to motor function. This April, which is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, encourage you to learn more about this disease. Here, they share the symptoms that frequently accompany Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that interferes with the brain's ability to control the body. Simply speaking, the neurons in the brain die for as of yet unknown causes. When this happens, they release dopamine. This surge in dopamine interferes with the remaining neurons' ability to manage the movement of the body.[1] As such, the symptoms that individuals experience with regard to this condition are often related to motor function. This April, which is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, encourage you to learn more about this disease. Here, they share the symptoms that frequently accompany Parkinson's disease.
The Personal Nature of Parkinson's
While the cause of the symptoms that individuals with
Parkinson's disease experience is the same across all cases, the actual
symptoms that emerge are not. In fact, this condition can create completely
different experiences from one individual to the next. For this reason, it is
important to remember that not all seniors who suffer from this disease will
have the same symptoms.
Primary Motor Symptoms[2]
Resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural
instability are the four primary motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's
disease. While every individual
who has this condition will not suffer from all four of these hallmark
symptoms, most will experience at least one of them. Resting tremor is seen in
approximately 70 percent of Parkinson's disease cases and causes shaking in the
face, jaw, foot, or hand. Bradykinesia takes place when individuals have a
difficult time moving quickly. Rigidity restricts movement altogether, most
frequently in the core and the limbs. Finally, postural instability is one of
the most common symptoms. This causes individuals to have difficulty finding
stability when they are standing.
Additional Symptoms[3]
While the primary motor symptoms are the most common, there
are numerous other signs of Parkinson's disease. Some of these include:
- Freezing gait
- Micrographia
- Mask-like expression
- Unwanted accelerations
- Stooped posture
- Dystonia
- Akathisia
- Difficulty swallowing
- Speech impairment
The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance
(http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) understand that Parkinson's disease creates
a different experience for each individual it impacts. By learning the symptoms
of this condition, you can take better care of your elderly loved one. The
senior care providers encourage you to share this information with others in
observance of Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month.
The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.
Our Resources page may also provide needed information.
We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you. It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed. If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately. Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.
Call today (336) 512-6744
[1] http://www.pdf.org/about_pd
[2] http://www.pdf.org/symptoms_primary
[3] http://www.pdf.org/symptoms_secondary
Treating Parkinson's Disease in Greensboro and Burlington: R.O.S. Therapy System
By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease is a condition that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of seniors; however, there are ways to minimize the effects of this illness through the right therapy and treatment. Recently, the professionals at Always Best Care who provide home care in Greensboro, Burlington, High Point and the surrounding areas, have turned to R.O.S. Therapy Systems to provide support to elderly individuals who have Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia through the R.O.S. Play Therapy System. This resource calls upon a range of activity boards and games to assist seniors with the following:
Parkinson's disease is a condition that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of seniors; however, there are ways to minimize the effects of this illness through the right therapy and treatment. Recently, the professionals at Always Best Care who provide home care in Greensboro, Burlington, High Point and the surrounding areas, have turned to R.O.S. Therapy Systems to provide support to elderly individuals who have Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia through the R.O.S. Play Therapy System. This resource calls upon a range of activity boards and games to assist seniors with the following:
·
Expressing creativity
·
Memory Cues
·
Self-worth
·
Pride
·
Esteem
·
Orientation regarding time, place, and people
·
Motivation
·
Reality testing
·
Stimulation of interest in the environment
·
Stimulation of tactile, visual, and auditory senses
·
Decision making
·
Enjoyment
About R.O.S. Therapy System
In 2010, this therapy system was created to support the
needs of Roger Silknitter, who had fought Parkinson's disease and dementia for
25 years. Through the design of this particular therapeutic approach, seniors
are able to achieve a higher quality of life because they are able to engage in
activities that both boost cognitive and motor functions and are entertaining. Because
the quality of life and health of elderly individuals are top priorities at
Always Best Care, the senior care professionals at this organization have
adopted this therapy system to benefit the elderly individuals they care for.
The bundle package that the home care providers at this
organization share with seniors includes a console and several different game
boards, such as solitaire, tic tac toe, and mini puzzles. With a wedge cushion
to support the console, elderly individuals are able to engage in this form of
therapy easily—allowing them to get the maximum benefits possible.
Ask Your Loved One's Care Provider about the R.O.S.
Therapy System
If your elderly loved one suffers from Parkinson's disease,
Alzheimer's disease, or dementia and they are not already using the R.O.S. Therapy
System it is a great idea to ask their home care provider if they can
incorporate this therapeutic resource into your senior's care plan. This
particular form of therapy has shown positive results in numerous seniors, who
are able to experience a higher quality of life through its support.
The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.
Our Resources page may also provide needed information.
We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you. It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed. If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately. Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.
Call today (336) 512-6744
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Parkinson's Disease - Greensboro and Burlington: What is it?
By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease is a condition that many people have heard of; however, few people are aware of the details surrounding this illness. As April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, are focused on educating others about this condition. Here are some basic facts about Parkinson's disease to help you better understand what this illness is and how it impacts seniors.[1]
Parkinson's disease is a condition that many people have heard of; however, few people are aware of the details surrounding this illness. As April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, are focused on educating others about this condition. Here are some basic facts about Parkinson's disease to help you better understand what this illness is and how it impacts seniors.[1]
1. Parkinson's
disease is categorized as a progressive movement disorder that is chronic in
nature, which means that the severity of the illness increases over time.
2. Almost
one million individuals across the United States have Parkinson's disease.
3. The
cause of this illness is not yet understood and there is no cure; however,
treatment options have been developed that assist individuals in managing their
health and maintaining the highest quality of life possible.
4. The
most common signs of Parkinson's disease include postural instability
(difficulty maintaining balance and challenges with coordination), bradykinesia
(slow movement), tremors (frequently occurring in the jaw, arms, legs, hands,
and face), and rigidity (often in the core and limbs).
5. The
cause of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease is the death or otherwise
dysfunction of nerve cells within the brain. When these neurons, most of which
are located in the substantia nigra, die, they frequently release dopamine. The
surge in this chemical impacts the ability of the remaining neurons to maintain
control over the movement of the body.
6. The
symptoms that an individual with Parkinson's disease experiences are unique. The
nature of this disease means that each individual who develops it has a
different experience. For instance, one senior may experience rigidity and
tremor while another has bradykinesia and postural instability.
7. The
current treatment options available for Parkinson's disease include both
pharmaceutical and surgical approaches. Doctors work with individual patients
to determine the best treatment methods for their unique cases. Because this
illness is progressive, treatment may become more intense as time goes on.
The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance
(http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) encourage you to support Parkinson's Disease
Awareness Month by learning more about this condition. If possible, they
recommend getting involved in events that support research regarding this
illness, such as annual walks or runs that are targeted at raising money for
research and supporting members of the community who suffer from this disease.
The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.
Our Resources page may also provide needed information.
We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you. It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed. If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately. Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.
Call today (336) 512-6744
[1] http://www.pdf.org/about_pd
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