Since going public with his diagnosis in 1998, actor Michael J. Fox has become the face of Parkins
on’s disease, a condition that affects over a million people in the United States. Fox’s public struggle with this progressive disorder of the nervous system has changed the way our country views the disease.
When Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 29, all he knew of it was, “somebody’s grandmother had it.” That’s the common perception, and for the most part, it’s true. The average age of diagnosis for Parkinson’s is 62 – only one in 10 develops early onset Parkinson\’s like Fox did. It’s an example of how this disease is unique to each person it strikes.
So, what does Parkinson’s have to do with home care and hospice? Home health services can be central to helping a patient with the disease to enjoy a high quality of life by assisting with everyday
activities and delivering nursing and therapy as needed. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, so the objective of treatment is to manage the symptoms and support quality of life.
CHP home care can help to ease symptoms at each stage of the disease. Some of the services we can provide to those suffering from Parkinson’s and their families include:
- In-home assessment
- Suggestions for special eating utensils, installation of railings, etc.
- Ambulatory assistance
- Aides to assist with dressing, grooming, housekeeping, laundry
- Medication assistance, administration and reminders
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Adult day services for both patient and caregivers
- In-home and inpatient hospice services
Parkinson’s disease can challenge day-to-day living for patients along with their caregivers. Each case of Parkinson’s is unique; CHP’s wide range of services can ease symptoms and enhance quality of life for both patient and caregiver at each stage of the disease. Contact your local CHP office for free in-home evaluation to learn about options and help answer your questions.