Daily Routines to Support People Living with Parkinson’s
The initial stages of Parkinson’s often don’t require much differentiation in usual routines, but as the disease progresses through its stages, symptoms may get more difficult to manage. Creating structure not only supports physical and emotional well-being, but it also helps people with Parkinson’s establish a consistent routine that fosters a sense of control.
Today, we’ll explore various daily habits that can help you or your loved one better manage Parkinson’s symptoms, improving independence, dignity and overall quality of life.
Why Are Routines Important for People With Parkinson’s?
People with Parkinson’s often worry about the idea of losing control over their mind and body. Their future plans may suddenly have changed, and they now have medications, regular appointments, and progressive symptoms to manage. A routine gives a dependable anchor to the day, which is something people with Parkinson’s remain in control over.
There are several benefits of routines for people with Parkinson’s, including:
- Routines reduces stress and depression
Stress can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms, making both motor and non-motor symptoms worse. Being able to anticipate what’s coming next with a dependable routine can minimise stress and negative emotions, such as Parkinson’s-related anxiety and depression.
- Encourage healthier choices
Planning meals and exercise routines make sure you stick to them and don’t accidentally make unhealthy choices. The Parkinson’s Foundation states that studies have shown a correlation between targeted nutrition and a reduced rate of Parkinson’s advancement.
- Regulates the nervous system
While promoting regulance in the nervous system won’t reduce or cure symptoms, it can benefit the sleep/wake cycle to promote a better night’s sleep. Sleep is incredibly important for people with Parkinson’s, as poor sleep can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of cognitive issues and falls.
- Allows the brain to focus on more complex tasks
A routine helps the body to run on autopilot, allowing the brain to focus on more complex tasks and thoughts. For people with Parkinson’s, every minute of the day counts. For example, without a routine, less important tasks like catching up with friends or healthy meal planning may keep being pushed back.
- Helps focus on the positives
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Parkinson’s symptoms and management, but a routine can bring a sense of peace when people with the disease focus on what they can control. The more a routine is used, the more the brain anticipates activities at certain times.
- Ensures important tasks and commitments are remembered
A routine means the majority of the day is planned to a certain extent, so there aren’t lots of conflicting thoughts fighting for attention. This helps people with Parkinson’s to remember important dates and tasks, reducing stress and last-minute fretting.
Daily Routines That Can Help Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms
Routines don’t have to be extensive or rigorous. Simply adding one or two of the following routines into your daily life can help better manage symptoms and improve emotional well-being:
Gentle Movement to Start the Day
Gentle movement is a great way to start the day, especially if your muscles feel stiff upon waking. Easing into movements in the morning helps to warm up the body and loosen your joints. Without engaging your muscles, you may find symptoms like pain, stiffness and tremors increasing as the day goes on.
Starting your day with gentle movement doesn’t have to be strenuous. Simply stretching in bed or a chair for a few minutes can be enough, or rolling your neck, shoulders and ankles a few times each.
Stick to a Regular Meal Plan
Meals are incredibly useful when anchoring certain points of the day in your routine. It’s often easy to create set meal times to ensure you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same hour each day. Not only does this help the brain anticipate what’s coming next, but it can also split the day into four sections to plan other activities. Eating at regular intervals ensures your energy levels remain high each day.
Most people with Parkinson’s can choose meal times to stick to for their three meals. However, if your condition affects your appetite, you might find it easier to set an alarm for every three to four hours, reminding you to eat a small meal or snack. Always remember to stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen symptoms like fatigue and confusion.
Set Alarms for Medication
Alarms are one of the best ways to stick to a routine for people with Parkinson’s, including for medication reminders. Missing medication doses can lead to more periods of ineffectiveness as they wear off, leading to exacerbated symptoms and impacted mental and emotional well-being. Keep medication times the same each day to ensure they provide the most beneficial results.
Along with alarms, we recommend using a pill organizer that helps you recall which doses you’ve already taken. A medication log is another great way to keep track of medication information.
Make Time for Outdoor Activities
Even if it’s just once a day, getting outside can do wonders for your mental, emotional and physical health. The Great Outdoors and fresh air allows you to clear your mind and get away from screens, which may negatively affect your thoughts and actions. As little as 20 minutes outside a day helps people with Parkinson’s maintain mobility, mental clarity and overall mood.
There’s no need to plan extensive trips to fill this quota. A simple walk around the block, visit to the local duck pond or even sitting in the garden can make you feel better and promote a healthy circadian rhythm, which can help reduce sleep problems.
Do Something That Stimulates the Brain
Cognitive health is incredibly important when managing Parkinson’s symptoms, and there’s no reason why you can’t continue doing stimulating activities that you enjoy. Not only are these fun mental health boosters, but they also keep your brain active to help with memory, focus and mood.
Some great ideas for stimulating your brain throughout the day include puzzles, reading a book or listening to music, or creative activities like painting and journaling. Most of these activities can be done with friends or family members, so you could also make it a social activity and further support condition management.
Create a Relaxing Wind-Down Routine for Bed
Achieving quality sleep can be difficult with Parkinson’s, so tailoring your routine to support your circadian rhythm can influence your entire day. After all, a good night’s sleep sets you up for success, so a relaxing wind-down routine may become invaluable to you. Repeating the routine each night before bed signals to your brain that it’s time to rest.
A wind-down routine doesn’t have to be extensive. Simply dimming the lights, removing screens for an hour before bed and keeping your bedroom cool and quiet can help. Consider a light stretch or meditation session before bed to get your body and mind ready for its slumber.
How Country Cousins Can Help
At Country Cousins, we value our ability to provide bespoke live-in care services to clients who need it most. Our carers are fully trained, compassionate and experienced in Parkinson’s care, including an innate understanding of the importance of routine. As a result, we’ll help you and your loved ones create and follow a loose schedule to enhance symptom management and live well with Parkinson’s.
Our Parkinson’s care at home service includes:
- Assistance with dressing, bathing, showering and oral hygiene
- Companionship and emotional support
- Round-the-clock monitoring and emergent assistance
- Encouragement to continue hobbies and activities
- Mobility assistance
- Support with travel and accompaniment to appointments
- Care that prioritises independence and dignity
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
