Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is Parkinson’s disease awareness month, a time where various organisations, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease come together to raise awareness about the condition, its impact on individuals and families, and the need for continued research and support.
April is observed as Parkinson’s Awareness Month because it is the birth month of James Parkinson, who first identified the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease more than 200 years ago.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease, or ‘PD’, is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects movement. It develops gradually, often starting with subtle tremors or stiffness in one’s limbs. As the disease advances, symptoms worsen and can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
Symptoms of PD
PD is a complex neurological disorder that can present with a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity and progression from person to person. The primary symptoms of PD are motor symptoms, but non-motor symptoms are also common.
Symptoms include:
- Tremor: Involuntary shaking, typically starting in one hand, though it can also occur in other parts of the body.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making everyday tasks such as walking, getting out of a chair, or dressing more challenging.
- Rigidity: Stiffness or inflexibility in the limbs or trunk, which can cause muscle pain and difficulty with movement.
- Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls, especially in later stages of the disease.
What care is available?
Whilst there is currently no current cure for PD, having a personalised care plan tailored to any individuals needs and symptoms care enhance quality of life, and keep day to day life as normal as possible.
Domiciliary or live-in care plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with PD to live independently and safely in their own homes. By tailoring care to individual needs, addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms, our carers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by PD. With compassion, expertise, and dedication, domiciliary and live-in care contributes to enhancing the quality of life and preserving the dignity of individuals living with PD.
How we can help
At Calida Care, we are dedicated to helping those who are in need to care, however that looks. Our carers are on hand to help with whatever our clients’ needs may be, such as medication management, mobility assistance and personal care.
PD affects each person differently, and depending on the severity of the symptoms, there is no one size fits all type of care. We will work together to create a care plan that meets the needs of you or your loved one, and make sure that everyone is content.
See how our Live-in and Domiciliary care services could help you or your loved ones, giving you peace of mind.
Read more about our services here: https://www.calidacare.co.uk/about/
