Parkinson’s disease brings many changes, not just for the person diagnosed, but for their entire family. As movement slows and symptoms progress, daily routines often become more challenging.
Still, many families choose to provide care at home to ensure comfort, familiarity, and dignity. While this decision can be deeply rewarding, it also requires planning, patience, and the right kind of support.
In this article, we’ll walk through the basics of in-home Parkinson’s care and share simple ways to make life safer, easier, and more manageable for everyone involved.
Later on, your loved one may require assistance with balance, coordination, speaking clearly, or swallowing. Mood changes like depression or anxiety can also appear, along with memory or thinking difficulties.
Because the disease progresses differently for each person, it’s important to stay flexible. With the right support and planning, many people continue to live well at home for years, even as their needs grow.
Start by removing throw rugs, loose cords, and clutter from walkways. Then, improve lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways and bathrooms. Bright, even lighting helps reduce missteps.
In the bathroom, grab bars, non-slip mats, and raised toilet seats can make daily routines easier and safer. In the kitchen, place frequently used items within easy reach to avoid bending or stretching.
Additionally, consider placing a sturdy chair with arms in key areas, such as the bedroom or near the front door, to assist with dressing or putting on shoes. With these changes in place, your loved one can move around more confidently and with less risk.
Start with mealtime. Use weighted utensils, non-slip plates, and cups with lids to reduce spills. If swallowing becomes difficult, consult a doctor about softer food options for people with Parkinson's.
In the bathroom, install grab bars and use a shower chair to lower the risk of falls. You should also warm up the water before they enter to avoid sudden discomfort.
For grooming and dressing, choose loose clothing with easy fasteners. However, you should n’t do everything for them. Allow them to do what they can.
Most importantly, protect their dignity. Speak kindly, move at their pace, and always ask before stepping in.
First, watch for shifts in behavior, such as withdrawal, irritability, or forgetfulness. Then, respond with patience and reassurance. Avoid correcting or challenging them. Instead, focus on calming their emotions.
If the changes become more frequent or severe, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. They may recommend therapy, medication, or other forms of support.
By staying attentive and compassionate, you can help your loved one feel safe, heard, and emotionally supported.
In-home care also brings relief for families. Instead of handling every task alone, you’ll have someone you can trust for a few hours a week or around the clock.
At BrightStar Care Cleveland, services are guided by registered nurses. So, you can be assured that your loved one will receive safe and customized support every step of the way.
If you’re in Cleveland or the surrounding area and need help, BrightStar Care is here for you. Our in-home care services are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
Call us today at (440) 613-1500 or schedule a free in-home assessment online to explore your care options.
Still, many families choose to provide care at home to ensure comfort, familiarity, and dignity. While this decision can be deeply rewarding, it also requires planning, patience, and the right kind of support.
In this article, we’ll walk through the basics of in-home Parkinson’s care and share simple ways to make life safer, easier, and more manageable for everyone involved.
Understanding Parkinson’s: What to Expect Over Time
Parkinson’s disease affects the brain and gradually changes how a person moves, speaks, and feels. In the early stages, patients may experience mild symptoms of parkinson's, such as a slight tremor, stiffness, or a slow gait. However, over time, these symptoms tend to worsen.Later on, your loved one may require assistance with balance, coordination, speaking clearly, or swallowing. Mood changes like depression or anxiety can also appear, along with memory or thinking difficulties.
Because the disease progresses differently for each person, it’s important to stay flexible. With the right support and planning, many people continue to live well at home for years, even as their needs grow.
Essential Parts of a Safe Home Environment
The risk of falls and injuries increases as symptoms of Parkinson’s disease become more evident. That’s why creating a safer home for loved ones with Parkinson's is one of the first and most important steps in caregiving.Start by removing throw rugs, loose cords, and clutter from walkways. Then, improve lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways and bathrooms. Bright, even lighting helps reduce missteps.
In the bathroom, grab bars, non-slip mats, and raised toilet seats can make daily routines easier and safer. In the kitchen, place frequently used items within easy reach to avoid bending or stretching.
Additionally, consider placing a sturdy chair with arms in key areas, such as the bedroom or near the front door, to assist with dressing or putting on shoes. With these changes in place, your loved one can move around more confidently and with less risk.
Daily Routines That Promote Comfort and Stability
A steady routine can help someone with Parkinson’s feel more in control of their day. The disease can cause fatigue and slow movement, so it is essential to plan.- Start the day slowly: Give extra time in the morning for getting up, eating, and getting dressed.
- Keep tasks in order: Follow the same sequence of activities daily to create a sense of structure.
- Time medications carefully: Stick to set times for pills. Use alarms or reminders to stay on track.
- Add gentle movement: Incorporate light exercises to support mobility and overall well-being.
- Plan enjoyable activities: Music, books, and puzzles can keep the mind active.
- Build in breaks: Rest between tasks helps manage fatigue and prevents frustration.
Supporting Mobility and Independence
As Parkinson’s affects movement, it’s important to help, without taking over. These tips can support both safety and confidence:- Encourage daily movement: Light walking, stretching, or home exercises can maintain strength and balance.
- Use mobility aids: Canes, walkers, and grab bars help reduce falls. Make sure they’re the right fit and used correctly.
- Allow extra time: Rushing leads to stress and accidents. Let tasks take longer when needed.
- Let them lead: If your loved one can do something safely, let them try first. Offer help only when it is asked for or needed.
- Make spaces accessible: Rearranging furniture and removing obstacles allows easier movement throughout the home.
Helping with Eating, Bathing, and Personal Hygiene
Every day tasks like eating and bathing can become more difficult as time passes. However, you can make these routines safer and less stressful with the right approach.Start with mealtime. Use weighted utensils, non-slip plates, and cups with lids to reduce spills. If swallowing becomes difficult, consult a doctor about softer food options for people with Parkinson's.
In the bathroom, install grab bars and use a shower chair to lower the risk of falls. You should also warm up the water before they enter to avoid sudden discomfort.
For grooming and dressing, choose loose clothing with easy fasteners. However, you should n’t do everything for them. Allow them to do what they can.
Most importantly, protect their dignity. Speak kindly, move at their pace, and always ask before stepping in.
Understanding Mood Changes and Cognitive Shifts
Aside from the body, Parkinson’s can also impact mood and thinking. Over time, your loved one may show signs of depression, anxiety, or even confusion. These changes can be difficult to witness, but they are part of the condition and not anyone’s fault.First, watch for shifts in behavior, such as withdrawal, irritability, or forgetfulness. Then, respond with patience and reassurance. Avoid correcting or challenging them. Instead, focus on calming their emotions.
If the changes become more frequent or severe, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. They may recommend therapy, medication, or other forms of support.
By staying attentive and compassionate, you can help your loved one feel safe, heard, and emotionally supported.
Benefits of Professional In-Home Parkinson’s Care
As care needs grow, having trained help at home can make a big difference. A professional caregiver understands how to support movement, manage symptoms, and respond calmly to daily challenges.In-home care also brings relief for families. Instead of handling every task alone, you’ll have someone you can trust for a few hours a week or around the clock.
At BrightStar Care Cleveland, services are guided by registered nurses. So, you can be assured that your loved one will receive safe and customized support every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s at home comes with both rewards and challenges. While the disease may bring changes over time, a thoughtful routine, a safe environment, and the right support can make daily life more manageable.If you’re in Cleveland or the surrounding area and need help, BrightStar Care is here for you. Our in-home care services are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
Call us today at (440) 613-1500 or schedule a free in-home assessment online to explore your care options.