Parkinsons | Secure Healthcare Solutions

If you have had a family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it can be a shock. You can be left wondering what it means and just how you can help with Parkinson’s care. Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system that affects movement. It gets worse over time and this can be distressing for you to watch a loved one go through. This is why it is a good idea to prepare yourself as early on as possible. Parkinson’s symptoms often start gradually and are barely noticeable. It could be that the person has a slight tremor in a finger, but this gradually gets worse. It is usually followed by stiffness and slowing of movement. Your loved one will need extra help during this time and this is where a Parkinson’s care at home carer can come in. There are also additional things you can do to help.

Learn as much as you can about the condition

When you find out someone has Parkinson’s, it is a good idea to research it. This is so you know what to expect as their condition progresses. While not everyone is the same and they don’t move at the same pace, it is better to prepare yourself for certain things that might occur. There are books you can read, blogs you can find online, websites, and charities that are all on hand to help you out. You can also ask your Parkinson’s care carer for any advice.

Let your loved one have as much independence as possible

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s’ can be frustrating for the person that has received the diagnosis. They will likely want to retain as much independence as possible. This will ensure that they can feel like themselves and not like they are useless. Instead of doing everything for them, let them try it themselves. You could also offer. For example, if they look like they want a drink, ask if they would like you to make it for them or for them to do it themselves.

Parkinson's care — Photo by **Pixabay** from **Pexels**

Help them to get active

Keeping active is especially important for those suffering from Parkinson’s. Exercise helps the brain to use dopamine which is a chemical involved in the movement. This can help with Parkinson’s care. You can help them to stay active with things such as going on a walk with them, doing an exercise class such as yoga, or even simple exercises at home. These will also help to improve their mental health as well as their physical health. It is also a lovely way for you to all spend some time together too!

Keep an eye out for worsening symptoms

If someone has Parkinson’s, their symptoms will gradually worsen. They might not notice it themselves, but you could. Keep an eye out for if their speech, walking ability or movements change. It is also important to check that they aren’t getting depressed as this can cause them to decline faster. It could be a good idea to keep a diary of their symptoms so you can track if anything changes.

These are a few ways that you can help to look after someone with Parkinson’s disease. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we have a range of carers who are specialized in Parkinson’s care. Find out more and how we can help you here.

If you are looking for a role as a home carer, check out our vacancies here.

Dysphagia is a condition that means it is hard to swallow food or liquid. Not only is this distressing in itself, but if the person it is impacting is not eating it can lead to serious problems such as malnutrition, pneumonia or dehydration. This is why it is so important to try and assist with this as soon as possible. Some of the main conditions which could lead to dysphagia include Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury and cancer, particularly cancer of the oesophagus. Often, medical conditions such as the above, can cause the nerves or muscles in the throat to become weak or not work properly, making it difficult to swallow food and drink.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

If you have dysphagia you could have difficulty swallowing certain liquids or foods, cough or choke when drinking or eating, bring food back up and be unable to chew food properly.

What does a nutritious diet include?

A nutritious diet will keep the body and mind healthy, strong and in the best state possible. A nutritious diet should consist of the following:
Carbohydrates – Found in foods like pasta, bread, cereals and rice

Healthy fats – Healthy fats are present in dairy, butter and oil
Protein – Protein can be found in pulses, nuts, meat, eggs and fish
Vitamins and minerals – Different vitamins and minerals are found in different foods. For example, Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, Iron in meat, poultry and beans and Vitamin A in vegetables such as carrots and kale.
Fluids – Water is best for the body to keep you hydrated

How to help someone with dysphagia swallow their food and drink

There are a number of different tips and methods for people with dysphagia and it is a good idea to try different techniques and see what works best for the individual. These are just a few things you can try to help your loved one.

Encourage them to sit upright, relax and take their time with chewing small, manageable pieces of food
Have more frequent, smaller meals and snacks rather than three large meals in a day
Eat soft foods that are easy on the throat, such as soup or yoghurt
Mash up food that is not naturally soft, or finely chop it so it is easy to manage. This can include meat, vegetables and fruit
Cook food until it becomes tender. This includes cooking rice or vegetables for longer to ensure they are soft and easier to swallow
Make smoothies or shakes. Instead of trying to help them to eat an apple or banana, why not put them together in a blender and make them into a smoothie? You can add milk to make it easier to swallow. You could also add in some protein powder to ensure they are getting enough protein for their body
Use plenty of gravy and sauce to help food go down easier
Avoid foods that are too salty, dry, sticky or have pips in as these can all be difficult to swallow
Take small sips of water or another drink between mouthfuls. Make sure these are small sips. If not, you might get full of water

How to decide what to make
There are also a host of recipe books out there which are specifically designed for dysphagia and if you need help with swallowing. No matter if you are suffering from swallowing and need help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care, there are some great resources to help. You could also try looking on Pinterest. Speak to the individual who is impacted and ask what foods they fancy. You can then put together a plan and some recipes based on this.

Remember that each individual is different and that some techniques might work better than others. Communicate with the individual and see what they feel comfortable with trying.

If you have someone coming in to help with the care of your loved one with Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury, cancer or anything else that can cause dysphagia, be sure to voice any questions you might have. We have a range of home care health professionals who can help. Find out more about how we can help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care as well as our other services here.