by Amy Jo Browne

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 18, 2008

Caring for the family member or friend who has Parkinson's disease can be a daunting task at times, when there seems to be so much to do. Working in a nursing home, I have seen many of those people with Parkinson's disease came into the home after living alone because of various reasons.

In the earlier stages of this malady, Parkinson's disease patients can still maintain their independence but may need help with the bigger things such as washing a load of laundry, doing dishes, or cooking a meal. See what they can do, and just do the rest yourself, yes most will balk at this so do it while they are napping, in the bathroom or make any excuse that you need to get the work done if you feel they need the help.

Thomas had been living on his own since his wife took their preschool daughter and moved 300 miles away to live with a man she met on the internet. Thomas was in his early 50's and although he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a few years back he had no clue it would hit him so hard or quickly.

Yet within a year of his wife leaving, he was in the full-blown case of Parkinson's disease and since he was pretty, much a hermit no one thought to drive out into the country and check on him.

Thomas had lain on the floor in his remote home for almost a week unable to move due to the Parkinson's disease, and when his friend found him, he had open sores, which had infections in them. He had not eaten right in days, he ate his snacks which consisted of mainly candy to keep him self alive. His Parkinson's disease had quickly worsened or perhaps it gradually worsened but he had hid it well because he lived alone, either way this was an emergency.

His phone was on the other side of the huge living room, and he collapsed so far away from it. If he had lifeline, which is a service that alerts medical help when he first fell, perhaps this Parkinson's disease patient would not have gotten in such grave danger.

The friend that went to see him was a licensed practical nurse who had years of experience in a nursing home so she immediately began an assessment and knew he needed help right then. She talked him into going to the hospital, where he was admitted right away because the Parkinson's disease was so bad. He remained in the hospital for a week and then he came to the nursing home where I worked.

His body was a mess of open bedsores, which we treated as best we could and we got him eating a little bit more each day. He was a very weak man, and because his body was so,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>