Parkinson’s Disease
Understanding Different Diseases and Conditions with 24/7 Care at Home
Select a Disease to Learn More
Parkinson’s disease affects your life or that of a loved one, managing symptoms and maintaining independence can feel challenging. You do not need to face this journey alone. At 24/7 Care at Home, we understand how Parkinson’s impacts movement, daily activities, and emotional well-being. Our specialized healthcare team provides comprehensive care that helps manage symptoms and supports quality of life in your own home.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease affects over 10 million people worldwide, with more than 1 million Americans living with this progressive neurological condition. Parkinson’s occurs when brain nerve cells that produce dopamine become damaged, leading to movement problems and other symptoms. While primarily affecting people over 60, an estimated 4% of cases occur in people under 50.
The condition progresses through stages:
- Stage 1: Mild symptoms on one side of the body
- Stage 2: Symptoms on both sides, no balance problems
- Stage 3: Balance problems develop, some independence remains
- Stage 4: Severe symptoms, assistance needed for daily activities
- Stage 5: Advanced stage, wheelchair or bed-bound
Common Clinical Manifestations:
- Tremor (shaking) at rest, often starting in hands
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and muscle rigidity
- Balance and coordination problems
- Changes in speech, writing, and facial expression
- Non-motor symptoms: depression, sleep problems, cognitive changes
When Your Loved One Requires Additional Support:
- Difficulty with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating
- Frequent falls or balance concerns requiring safety interventions
- Medication timing becoming complex or inconsistent
- Speech or swallowing problems affecting communication and nutrition
- Family caregivers feeling overwhelmed with care responsibilities
- Depression, anxiety, or cognitive changes affecting quality of life
- Freezing episodes or severe movement difficulties
- Need for specialized exercise and rehabilitation programs
Key Clinical Facts: Parkinson’s prevalence has doubled in the past 25 years, with global estimates showing over 8.5 million people affected. While progression varies, early intervention and comprehensive care significantly improve quality of life and functional independence.
🩺 Home Health Care: Managing Parkinson’s at Home
In the early to middle stages of Parkinson’s, home health care can offer essential medical support while helping your loved one maintain independence.​
Clinical Services Provided:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve mobility, balance, and reduce fall risk
- Occupational Therapy: Adaptive techniques for daily activities and home safety
- Speech Therapy: Voice strengthening and swallowing safety assessment
- Medication Management: Complex Parkinson’s medication timing and monitoring
- Movement Assessment: Tracking symptoms and adjusting care plans
- Fall Prevention: Balance training and environmental safety modifications
- Nutrition Support: Managing weight loss and swallowing difficulties
Specialized Services Include:
- LSVT Programs: Specialized voice and movement therapies for Parkinson’s
- Freezing Episode Management: Techniques to overcome movement blocks
- Exercise Programming: Parkinson’s-specific fitness and flexibility routines
- Family Education: Teaching caregivers about disease progression and safety
- Mood and Cognitive Support: Depression screening and cognitive strategies
Note: Home health services are typically intermittent and may not provide continuous 24/7 coverage. However, they can be supplemented with private duty caregivers for round-the-clock support.​
🌅 Hospice Care: Comfort-Focused Support for Advanced Parkinson’s
As Parkinson’s progresses to advanced stages, and the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort care, hospice services can provide comprehensive support.​
Hospice Care May Be Beneficial When:
- Severe mobility limitations, wheelchair or bed-bound status
- Significant swallowing difficulties leading to aspiration risks
- Unintelligible speech and severe communication problems
- Serious complications: recurrent aspiration pneumonia, severe falls with fractures, sepsis from infections, critically impaired breathing requiring oxygen
- Multiple hospitalizations for Parkinson’s complications or advanced cognitive decline
Hospice Care Services Provided:
- Comprehensive Symptom Management: Expert control of rigidity, pain, breathing difficulties, and agitation
- Medical Equipment Delivery: Hospital beds, mobility aids, oxygen equipment
- Medication Coverage: All comfort medications provided
- Respite Care: Relief for family caregivers during challenging times
- Emotional and Spiritual Support: Professional counseling and spiritual care services
Note: Hospice care is typically considered when a physician determines that an individual has a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course.​
Managing Parkinson’s Complications at Home
Movement and Communication Support:
- Fall prevention strategies, safe mobility training, and adaptive equipment for independence
- Exercise programs to maintain flexibility and manage freezing episodes
- Voice strengthening exercises, communication aids, and safe swallowing techniques
- Speech therapy for clarity improvement and family communication education
Medication and Symptom Management:
- Complex medication scheduling for optimal symptom control
- Managing side effects, “wearing off” periods, and non-motor symptoms
- Coordination with neurologists and movement disorder specialists
- Creating a Parkinson’s-Friendly Home Environment
Safety and Support Setup:
- Remove trip hazards, improve lighting, install grab bars and non-slip surfaces
- Organize frequently used items within reach and create clear pathways
- Comfortable seating, exercise space, and communication aids
- Medication organization systems for complex schedules
Family Education and Support:
- Understanding Parkinson’s progression and safe assistance techniques
- Recognizing medication timing needs and side effects
- Respite care, professional counseling, and support group connections
- Connection with community Parkinson’s resources and stress management strategies
💡 We’re Here to Support You—Because Life Is Better at Home
Living with Parkinson’s comes with many difficult moments—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You may be managing treatments, coping with symptoms, or simply trying to make each day as meaningful and comfortable as possible. At 24/7 Care at Home, we understand these challenges, and we’re here to walk alongside you.​
đź“ž For Parkinson’s Home Health Services: Call (800) 651-5371 for specialized movement therapy, symptom management, and family support.
đź“ž For Parkinson’s Hospice Care: Call (800) 509-6345 for comfort-focused care in advanced stages.
Our Parkinson’s care specialists maintain 24/7 availability because movement symptoms and complications do not follow schedules, and neither should your access to expert neurological care and specialized support.