Effects of Parkinson’s on the Social Lives of Aging Adults
By Lindsey Fancy 9 am on
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes mobility and speech impairment, pain, and behavioral challenges for many seniors. When the disease isn’t managed correctly, it could lead to isolation. Continue reading to learn about the social problems Parkinson’s can cause for older adults and how to prevent each issue.
Embarrassment
Drooling is a common symptom associated with Parkinson’s, and it can cause social awkwardness for elderly people. The excess production of saliva while in social settings could cause your senior loved one to withdraw from future activities. To help with these unguarded moments, encourage your parent to wear a sweatband on his or her wrist and use the accessory to discreetly wipe away the drool while in public. Speak with your loved one’s primary care physician to determine if there are treatment options available to manage the drooling, such as atropine eye drops, a scopolamine patch, or botulinum toxin type A.Your loved one may get a great deal of benefit from having a professional caregiver help with everyday tasks and getting out to socialize. Families looking for top-rated in-home care providerscan reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Bladder Problems
Urinary incontinence is common in older adults with Parkinson’s, and it negatively impacts their social lives. Seniors can have the urgent need to urinate even when their bladders aren’t full. When the disease disrupts the messages between the brain and the bladder, it could cause accidents. Make sure your loved one takes regular bathroom breaks while in public and wears appropriate clothing, such as pants without zippers or buttons. Speak with your loved one’s doctor to determine if the bladder problems are due to Parkinson’s or another medical condition. Getting the situation under control could encourage your loved one to focus more on activities when socializing instead of thinking about incontinence.The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to manage, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Winnipeg Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Tremors
Many seniors with Parkinson’s experience tremors at some point, and the symptom could prevent them from socializing. The shaking generally occurs in one or both hands. Tremors can also occur in the arms, legs, head, and torso. Although this symptom isn’t life-threatening, it can be embarrassing for older adults. Tremors are often caused by damage in the deep parts of the brain that control movements. However, performing hand exercises and following a healthy diet could reduce tremors and prevent isolation. In a very few instances, doctors may suggest surgical treatment, such as deep brain stimulation.
Speech Impairment
Having conversations with friends and family may be challenging for seniors with Parkinson’s, especially as the disease progresses. The disorder can cause the voice to become low or hoarse or lead to slurred speech and mumbling. Treating these difficulties can prevent the disease from negatively impacting your loved one’s social life. Speech therapy is often the best treatment. Your loved one can use speech therapy apps or work with a speech-language pathologist to enhance his or her speaking abilities.Many seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can continue to live at home and have active social lives, but they will probably need assistance from family members or other caregivers to do so safely. For many seniors in Winnipeg, MB, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate home care for your loved one. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000 to schedule a free in-home consultation.
