The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and nearly 1 million Americans are currently living with the disease. For these individuals, and seniors in particular, navigating care options at an older age can be complicated. There isn’t a single clear-cut option for their future. For seniors and caregivers who are struggling with Parkinson’s, Assisted Living might be the perfect option for a safe, fulfilling future.
Eagle Senior Living communities offers Assisted Living, at most of our locations, that include on-site care, 24 hours a day, in an engaging, safe environment that likely meets the needs and preferences of seniors currently receiving care from an at-home caregiver. This guide will help seniors, caregivers and families make an informed decision about Assisted Living for those with Parkinson’s disease.
How Assisted Living Services Can Help
The goal of Assisted Living in a senior living community is to get the right amount of assistance to allow residents to live as independently as possible. Dedicated team members provide care based on the individual resident’s specific needs and preferences. Generally, they offer assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, housekeeping, transportation and more — all substantial benefits for seniors with Parkinson’s. Many senior living communities with Assisted Living care have on-site medical professionals and physicians who can administer proper medical care when needed. Other communities have good relationships with local physicians who can come into the community to administer care for an additional fee. Either way, almost all Assisted Living communities are staffed by qualified nurses, licensed nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and even certified occupational therapists.
Another major benefit of Assisted Living for Parkinson’s disease patients is the lifestyle offered. Assisted Living communities usually have robust social and activities programming for residents to find companionship and fulfillment — something that at-home care simply can’t match. Plus, many communities offer a wide variety of services and amenities such as restaurant-style dining venues, fitness centers, gardens, beauty salons and more.
The Right Time for Assisted Living
Like the journey of every person with Parkinson’s, there isn’t a standard time when seniors should move into Assisted Living. However, there are signs that the individual’s disease might be worsening, and it may be time to seek additional care. Some of these may include:
- Difficulty balancing upright
- Frequent falls
- Walking with small, shuffling steps
- “Freezing” when feet suddenly can’t move forward
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weak and muffled voice
- Problems with impulse control
- Increased difficulty sleeping
- Increased feelings of depression and anxiety
- Sensory difficulties, such as loss of smell
- Noticeable weight loss
When these symptoms of Parkinson’s disease become too severe for family or caregivers to effectively handle, it’s time to consider Assisted Living facilities.
Parkinson’s Disease Assisted Living
At Eagle Senior Living communities, we take great pride in providing consistently compassionate, high-quality Assisted Living care for seniors with a wide range of health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. If you’d like to learn more about how Assisted Living services can help you or your loved ones, or about our stunning communities, please contact us today.