Parkinson’s Care at Home
Living with Parkinson’s can bring daily challenges, both for the person affected and for their family. As symptoms change over time, everyday tasks may become harder, and many people begin to need more support to stay safe and comfortable.
Parkinson’s care at home allows your loved one to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving one to one support from a trained carer. This not only helps with practical needs such as mobility and daily routines, but also provides companionship and reassurance. With the right care in place, it is possible to continue living with dignity, comfort and independence at home.
What Parkinson’s is and how it affects the body
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Parkinson’s UK reports that around 166,000 people are living with the disease in the UK alone. By 2025, the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s around the world will double to 25 million.
When you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it means that you don’t have enough dopamine in your brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working.
There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s, but the main three are:
- Tremors
- Slowness in movement
- Rigidity
Other symptoms could include:
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Difficulty or changes in swallowing
- Eye issues
- Speech and communication changes
- Increased number of falls
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling very cold
- Skin and scalp problems
- Pain
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Restless leg syndrome
When you’re first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, your symptoms may be mild enough that treatment isn’t necessary. However, you should keep a close eye on your symptoms and how they’re progressing over time, as you might not notice them becoming advanced until an incident like a fall occurs. Closely monitoring symptoms keeps you ahead of the curve and prevents dangerous situations.
When might I need Parkinson’s home care?
Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and the level of support needed often changes over time. Some people may only need a little help in the early stages, while others benefit from more regular care as symptoms progress.
You might consider Parkinson’s home care if you or your loved one:
- Feel less steady when walking or moving around
- Struggle with balance, stiffness or tremors
- Find it difficult to manage daily tasks such as washing, dressing or cooking
- Experience fatigue or low energy that makes everyday life harder
- Begin to feel isolated or in need of companionship
- Have recently been discharged from hospital and need extra support
Home care can be tailored to your needs, whether you require occasional assistance or full time live in care.
The benefits of Parkinson’s care
Parkinson’s home care offers more than practical help; it supports independence, comfort and peace of mind. Some of the key benefits include:
- Symptom management: Carers monitor changes and adapt support to keep symptoms under control.
- Better quality of life: Help with daily tasks allows you to stay independent and confident.
- A safer home: Carers reduce fall risks, encourage safe exercise and promote mobility.
- Companionship: Someone to talk to can ease feelings of isolation.
- Healthy meals and hydration: Support with planning and preparation helps maintain strength.
- Routine and stability: Care at home allows you to keep your own daily rhythm.
- Family support: Carers provide respite and reassurance for loved ones too.
Where is Parkinson’s care offered?
Parkinson’s care is offered in several settings for you to choose from, including hospitals, nursing homes, specialist care facilities and at home. Where you choose to get your care depends on your needs and how far your condition has progressed:
- At home – Visiting or live-in carers can provide plenty of care, along with support from friends and family
- Care homes – Residential or nursing homes with staff trained in Parkinson’s care
- Hospitals – Usually only for short-term support while your care team adjusts your treatment or during a health complication
- Day centres – People with mild Parkinson’s symptoms may benefit from facilities such as therapy, social support and fun activities in a structured environment
Why choose Parkinson’s care at home?
Live-in care means having a dedicated carer stay in your home to offer support whenever you need it, whether that’s day or in the middle of the night. Dealing with a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be stressful enough without a move to a new home being thrown into the mix.
Here are some reasons why you may decide on live-in Parkinson’s care:
- You can stay in the comfort of your own home while being fully supported
- One-to-one, round-the-clock care from a dedicated carer
- Your loved ones can visit as much as they like without working around visiting hours
- You remain in control of your meals, schedule, hobbies and social outings
During the later stages of the disease, Parkinson’s often causes memory loss and confusion. Being in a familiar environment while experiencing these cognitive changes may help, as your favourite belongings can have the power to keep you present. A new, unknown environment might accelerate these symptoms.
How Country Cousins can help
At Country Cousins, we know that living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but the right support can make a real difference. Our live-in carers provide one-on-one help tailored to your needs, from managing daily routines to offering companionship and reassurance.
We carefully match each family with a carer who understands Parkinson’s and has the patience and experience to provide thoughtful support. With Country Cousins, you or your loved one can continue to live safely and comfortably at home, with dignity and independence.
Here are some of the ways our Parkinson’s carers can help:
- Providing support with washing, dressing and oral hygiene
- Preparing nutritious meals and encouraging regular hydration
- Keeping the home safe by reducing fall risks and offering mobility support
- Encouraging gentle exercise to maintain strength and independence
- Offering companionship and emotional reassurance on difficult days
- Helping you keep to familiar routines and daily habits
- Giving families peace of mind and much-needed respite
Talk to our team today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.