VISITING ANGELS HURST, TX 817-952-3223
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Supporting Those with Parkinson’s Disease and their Families

Supporting Those with Parkinson’s Disease and their Families

Every April, we have an opportunity to learn more about Parkinson's disease (PD) and to contemplate its implications for those who suffer; Parkinson's Awareness month is our annual opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of and empathy for those who struggle with PD. 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research summarizes: "Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die. Because PD can cause tremors, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems, it is called a 'movement disorder.' But constipation, depression, memory problems, and other non-movement symptoms also can be part of Parkinson's. PD is a lifelong and progressive disease, which means that symptoms slowly worsen over time."

The Parkinson's Foundation notes: "Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is an extremely diverse disorder. While no two people experience Parkinson's the same way, there are some commonalities." The foundation further notes that one million Americans have PD, affecting about 10 million people worldwide.

Visiting Angels Hurst, Texas, can help clients and their families throughout the various stages of PD. Here is what you need to know.

The Five Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Each person experiences PD differently, but some trends help doctors categorize how far the disease has advanced. The Parkinson's Foundation explains: "Parkinson's stages correspond both to the severity of movement symptoms and to how much the disease affects a person's daily activities."

PD tends to express itself with symptoms like tremors, changes in facial expressions, and posture in the earliest stages. Over time, these can progress to where patients may struggle with dressing, walking, and eating. The Parkinson's Foundation explains that doctors use a scale to "help them understand the progression of the disease." 

While it can be overwhelming to provide care for a family member struggling with a progressive disease, Visiting Angels Hurst, Texas can help with customized care.

Basic services like meal planning, cooking, household organization may be just the right fit for a client in the first stage of PD. But as the disease progresses, increased service may be needed. Personal Care helps our clients who may struggle with weakness or limited mobility. We will confer with family and enhance services as needed, to ensure that each client is well-positioned to thrive.

Dementia

The Parkinson's Foundation notes that there are several non-movement symptoms for PD patients, including dementia. "As Parkinson's progresses, people living with the disease can develop more significant or severe memory and thinking problems. Dementia means that a person has permanent cognitive changes that are significant enough to impact daily living." 

Dementia can be challenging for family members and family caregivers. Many of our Visiting Angels Hurst, Texas caregivers are specially trained to understand our clients who struggle with dementia and offer them support and services that them and their families feel supported and comfortable.

While dementia can feel a bit unusual, if you are not used to it, our Caregivers have a familiarity and comfort with it that helps our clients and their families. Expertise tends to take the discomfort away, which helps everyone to get acclimated to the situation.

Holistic Support 

We understand the love, patience, and heart that goes into providing care for a family member. We also understand that family caregivers provide care to their loved ones out of the kindness of their hearts. This is a noble and wonderful gesture. It is also a lot of physical and emotional work. Caregiver burnout is real, especially with a disease like PD.

It can be a long-term issue and it can be demanding to provide care to a loved one who is struggling with Parkinson’s disease. Care for the caregiver in your family by extending the gift of Respite Care. A Visiting Angels Hurst, Texas Caregiver will come and stay with your family member for an evening, a night, or weekend. This gives the family caregiver the chance to visit a friend, go on a retreat, or do something to enact self-care. Caring for the family caregiver is a vital part of the success of a plan to age in place. We are glad to help achieve that success.

Visiting Angels Hurst, Texas is here to help. Call us at 817-952-3223 to get started or contact us online.

Serving North Fort Worth, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and Watauga areas

Visiting Angels HURST, TX
1550 Norwood Dr #101
Hurst, TX 76054
Phone: 817-952-3223
Fax: 817-952-3225

Serving North Fort Worth, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and Watauga areas

Visiting Angels HURST, TX
1550 Norwood Dr #101
Hurst, TX 76054
Phone: 817-952-3223
Fax: 817-952-3225