It is estimated that more than one million people in the United States are currently living with Parksinon’s disease.
Parkinson’s is typically a slow-progressing neurological condition that weakens one’s movement, balance and coordination and causes uncontrollable tremors and shaking. Upon final stages of the disease, all ability to move may cease, and it might be time for a family to consider hospice care for a loved one.
At Blue Water Homecare, we care for Parkinson’s patients and their families through our dedicated Parkinson’s Program services, including:
- Bathing and grooming
- Incontinence care
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation and light housekeeping
- Sitter services to provide respite for family members and caregivers
- Escort to appointments
When a loved one’s Parkinson’s has progressed beyond medical treatment or when the condition is too difficult for families to manage, hospice care may be recommended.
Blue Water Hospice oversees care for families during the final stages of an illness to improve the quality of life for their loved one, whether services are provided at home or in a facility. We also aim to help ease the emotional stress and burden that family members and caregivers often experience during this transitional time.
When is the right time to consider hospice care for Parkinson’s patients?
The final debilitating stages of Parkinson’s disease will vary for everyone, some will experience these sooner than others, and some may live for years until they need care or assistance. In the advanced stages of the disease, beyond lack of mobility, other serious issues may develop such as dementia or pneumonia.
Hospice care is often suggested by healthcare providers and sought by families when life expectancy is estimated to be six months or less or when all treatment has proven unsuccessful. Other signs that may indicate it is time to seek hospice care for those with Parkinson’s include:
- Inability to move independently and accelerated need for a wheelchair or becoming bed bound
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Labored breathing or a need for supplemental oxygen
- Struggle to eat, drink and maintain a healthy weight, or rapid weight loss
How can hospice care help those with Parkinson’s?
Our experienced, multidisciplinary hospice team includes nurses, social workers, therapists, spiritual advisers, and volunteers who work in conjunction with your loved one’s medical providers to ensure comfort and symptom management for end stage Parkinson’s disease. Our team will work closely with you and your loved one to honor their wishes and ensure the highest quality of life possible.
Once your loved one has peacefully passed, Blue Water also offers bereavement support to help families process their grief and make plans for their transition ahead.
Contact Blue Water Hospice Today
For more information about hospice care for Parkinson’s disease, please call 512-872-2955 or contact us online for a free in-home assessment or a consultation.
Blue Water Homecare and Hospice offers comprehensive senior care services in Central Texas including homecare, dementia care and end of life care.
Blue Water Founder and COO Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP proudly services as an Executive Board Member of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society and is the Vice President of Outreach and Support Groups. Local Parkinson’s disease support and resources can be found on their website, https://www.capitalareaparkinsons.org.