Parkinson’s Can Affect Recovery for Seniors
March 3, 2017
Parkinson’s disease can affect people across many generations. The risk of Parkinson’s increases as people get older, and for somebody who has been diagnosed with this particular disease, and recovering from a medical emergency, which can include a heart attack, stroke, or something else, can become more complicated.
There are some behavioral issues and limitations that can complicate recovery for a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Below are just a
few to keep in mind. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was recently hospitalized for some medical emergency, major surgery, or injuries sustained in an accident, keep these in mind when you step up and volunteer to help support them.
The senior may avoid taking medications.
There could be any number of reasons why an individual refuses to take their medications. In some cases, they may be concerned about the side effects. In other situations, they may have certain mental challenges that make it difficult for them to understand the benefits these medications offer.
Some individuals can rip out their IV.
If a person with Parkinson’s has an IV, they may have a tendency to rip it out of their arm because they don’t want it, don’t understand, or can’t figure out what the point is to it.
This can happen at any time. While a family member might be trying to offer support to this elderly individual, they may not know how to counter this and, if they’re not licensed or certified to administer medications, they may be unqualified to try to reestablish the IV. In that particular situation, emergency services may be needed. What happens during all that time?
They may become frustrated with physical activity.
Physical activity becomes more challenging for somebody with Parkinson’s disease. If they are called on to take part in physical therapy or get exercise for their recovery, this can be extremely difficult. When they get frustrated, they are more likely to give up trying altogether.
Professional home care support can help.
The more experienced a person has supporting seniors and others, including those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the more resources and even strategies they might have access to help them in the best way possible.
The most important thing following a hospitalization is to stay away from the hospital. If a person needs to be readmitted within 30 days of their discharge, that’s technically a hospital readmission. The best way to reduce these rates and promote a positive recovery for somebody with Parkinson’s is to have the most experienced and dedicated care providing support.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Cranberry Township, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care. Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551