What May Your Senior Face in the Third Stage of Parkinson’s Disease?
The third stage of Parkinson’s disease is considered the middle point to the progression of this disease. This is the stage at which the symptoms and challenges that your aging parent will face will become marked, and they will need additional support. Though they will be able to still maintain their independence and handle some tasks on their own, their symptoms will impact their functioning and put them at greater risk of injuries and other complications.
Some things that your aging parent may face in the third stage of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Increased loss of balance
- Worsened gait
- Further worsened posture
- Slowness of movements
- Increased instance of falls that can lead to serious injuries
- Greater difficulty completing certain daily personal tasks such as eating, dressing, or taking care of their home
- Potential for sleep disruptions
- Possible cognitive decline such as memory loss might begin
Your parent will still be able to maintain their independence during this phase and if they have been living alone up until now, it is unlikely that that will have to change yet. At this stage, however, it is likely that your parent will become much more aware of how seriously this disease will influence their functioning and their quality of life moving forward. This can be emotionally difficult for them, and the support that you offer can help them to feel more confident and to continue focusing on making the most of their life as they age in place. This is also the time that if you have not already started to arrange for further care for your parent, you should start the discussions. This will help to prepare both of you for the more debilitating changes to come.
Whether your aging loved one has only recently received their diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or they have been dealing with this condition for some time but are progressing further into their symptoms and challenges, starting home care for them can be one of the best decisions that you can make. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your elderly loved one on a customized schedule that ensures that they have access to the care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need when they need it, but you can also remain at the forefront of their care routine. This care provider can create a highly personalized set of services that is tailored not just to help your parent handle their challenges, limitations, and symptoms now, but also prepare them for those that will develop in the future. By helping then to prepare for the next stage, this care provider can help your loved one feel more confident moving forward, enabling them to focus on making the most of their later years. This can be particularly meaningful in the early to moderate stages of the disease as your parent deals with the emotional impact of this disease. A care provider can give the companionship and support that encourages them to work through their emotions in a healthy way, gives their mental and emotional health a boost, and keeps them motivated.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Dresher, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.
