A number of diseases and chronic conditions are known to primary affect the elderly population. Two in particular are Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease, both of which may seriously impact the patient’s lifestyle and independence. The good news is that awareness of these conditions is better than ever, and many services and guidelines are available to help care for those who have such conditions. Dementia care and a nursing care plans for Parkinson disease are quite doable, and a nursing care plans for Parkinson disease doesn’t have to be as complex as someone might think. In fact, nursing care plans for Parkinson disease mainly consists of helping the elderly patient with everyday chores and self-care, while medical professionals will handle the rest. A Parkinsons long term care plan may allow the patient to continue to live in their residence if possible, and that can be factored into a nursing care plans for Parkinson disease. Something similar may be done for a patient with Alzheimers disease.
On Parkinsons
This is a condition that primarily affects the elderly, and it often manifests as physical clumsiness, stiffness of joints, and more. This may make it difficult for the patient to perform self-care, their job (if they have one), chores, and errands. Therefore, younger friends and family may help out and maintain the patient’s quality of life and dignity. And if it’s feasible, the patient may continue to live in their own private residence, such as an apartment or house, rather than be relocated to a nursing home.
How might friends and family help out? This largely centers around self care, such as getting dressed or undressed, brushing teeth or flossing, bathing, and the like. The patient may make use of an electric toothbrush, for example, if the patient has trouble with joint movement in the hands. The patient may also get help with flossing, though the caregiver should take care not to accidentally set off the gag reflex. Meanwhile, male patients may want to shave, and they can make use of an electric shaver rather than use a traditional razor. Clumsy and stiff joints and muscles may make a regular razor a cutting hazard, but electric ones never expose the skin to the blades. The patient may use lotion after shaving rather than regular aftershave to reduce the odds of skin burning.
Parkinsons care extends to bathing. The patient should take standing showers rather than baths, to reduce the chances of slipping and falling. In particular, the patient will sit on a stool, hold onto a railing if needed, and use a shower head that’s on the end of a long, flexible hose. Caregivers may buy and install such a shower head if need be. Meanwhile, patients may want to dress themselves as best they can, though caregivers may certainly set out outfits ahead of time. Clothes with buttons may have Velcro replace those buttons, and neither should the patient wear clothes that must be pulled over the head. Tube socks may replace dress socks, and women may wear bras that hook in the front. Shoes with rubber soles should be avoided, since they boost the risks of tripping.
Alzheimers Care
This is a neuro degenerative condition that cannot be cured or stopped once it presents, though some measures can be taken to minimize its impact on the patient’s life and independence. Alzheimers, as a form of dementia, causes physical clumsiness and progressive memory loss, and its gets more severe over time. It primary affects the elderly, only rarely presenting in patients under 65 years of age. But if feasible, a patient may live at home and have some assisted living care.
This includes removing tripping hazards such as rugs or electric cords or loose items, and sharp and flame-producing items should be locked away to prevent accidental cuts or burns. Furniture and items can be arranged logically and consistently, and caregivers can help with errands, house cleaning, tending to pets or a home garden, and more. Mental stimulation is a drug-free way to slow down Alzheimers progress, such as maintaining a strong social life for the patient and giving them mental exercises such as doing jigsaw puzzles. This may also cheer them up.