Caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can be extremely challenging, physically draining, very stressful, emotionally charged, and taxing on your finances. Most individuals with Parkinson’s prefer to remain at home and independent for as long as possible; however, this is not always the best option.

There are communities available that provide the ideal environment and care for individuals with this disease. One of the options available is assisted living. Read this brief guide to learn about Parkinson’s and how an assisted living facility may benefit those with this devastating disease.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological-based disease that includes symptoms and progression that varies from one individual to another. It initiates from a destruction of certain types of nerve cells located within the brain in the region known as “substantia nigra”. This area is responsible for making the well-known chemical known as “dopamine”.

This chemical aids in the relaying of messages throughout the brain that are responsible for the smooth motions of the muscles throughout the body. When this communication is interrupted, deficiencies in motor skills of the body start to occur.

Each year, just about 60,000 people are diagnosed with this condition. There are many people who are able to retain a high level of functioning – even after many decades of having the disease. For others, many abilities of the patient will become impaired.

These may include the inability to speak and/or swallow, the inability to walk and/or move in general, and other similar complications. By the end of the disease, it may prove to be severely debilitating for patients.

Assisted Living Care for Parkinson Sufferers

Being that Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative and progressive disease, many patients reach a point in the illness when remaining in the home and/or independent is no longer ideal or safe. At this point, input should be sought from family members, the individual’s primary care provider, and others with a concern over the care as to whether an alternative environment – such as assisted living – should be considered.

These facilities provide assistance with the activities of daily living (such as bathing and grooming), help with the management of any necessary medications, offer wellness programs, transportation to and from appointments, as well as communal-based social interaction. These are just a few of the many benefits of assisted living facilities for Parkinson’s.

What is Assisted Living and The Benefits

Assisted living facilities are communities that offer apartment-like rooms to patients. Each resident is given quite a bit of freedom, but there are trained caregivers present at all times who provide support. For those with a movement disorder like Parkinson’s, it is best to choose a facility that is very easy to navigate and has plenty of room.

Assisted living facilities closely monitor the care of your loved one and ensure that they continue to move and socialize as much as possible. These facilities also make every effort to ensure that the risk for falls is reduced. If you have a loved one with Parkinson’s disease that you feel would benefit from assisted living, contact us here at Beacon Senior Advisors today for more information: 973-713-0096 or visit www.BeaconSeniorAdvisors.com