Home Care for Someone with Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is progressive, but with the right support in place, many people live well at home for years. We explain what good Parkinson's care looks like and how a dedicated carer can help.

Parkinson's disease affects over 150,000 people in the UK. It is a progressive neurological condition, which means its effects tend to change over time — but the pace of that change varies enormously from person to person. Many people with Parkinson's live well at home for many years, particularly when the right support is in place from an early stage.

What Parkinson's disease involves

Parkinson's is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical involved in coordinating movement. The most recognised symptoms are tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement, but Parkinson's affects much more than movement. Many people also experience fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety or depression, difficulties with swallowing, and changes to memory and thinking.

These symptoms fluctuate. There are often periods in the day when medication is working well and movement is easier, and periods when it is not. Understanding this pattern, known as "on" and "off" periods, is important to providing care that actually fits around the person.

How home care helps with Parkinson's

The variability of Parkinson's means that a rigid, task-focused approach to care does not work well. What makes the difference is a carer who understands the condition, is patient, and can adapt how they provide support depending on how the person is on a given day.

Practically, that might mean:

• Supporting personal care in a way that preserves dignity and allows the person to do as much as they can independently
• Helping with meals, including adapted cutlery or textures where swallowing is affected
• Medication support, timed carefully around the person's medication schedule
• Safe movement around the home, helping to reduce the risk of falls
• Support with speech and communication, which can become more effortful over time
• Companionship and emotional support during a condition that can bring significant anxiety

Planning ahead

Because Parkinson's is progressive, care needs are likely to increase over time. Starting with even a small amount of professional support early — a few visits a week — allows a routine and a relationship to develop, making it easier to increase support as the condition progresses without it feeling like a sudden loss of independence.

Talk to us

Our carers are trained in supporting people with Parkinson's disease and work closely with families across Plymouth, Truro and the wider Devon and Cornwall area. Call us on 0330 165 8880 or request a free assessment through our website.