Caring for your resident with Parkinson's
This information is for care home staff who work with people
with Parkinson's.
You'll come across a range of conditions when working
with people in a care home.
Statistics show that 5% of people who live in care homes have
Parkinson's.
Assessing your resident's needs
There is a range of physical Parkinson's
symptoms, but there are a number of mental and emotional symptoms too.
It's important to remember that not everyone with Parkinson's
has the same symptoms and they will affect each person in a
different way.
You should assess your resident's Parkinson's symptoms and their
needs when they first arrive.
Symptoms can get better or worse at different times, and this
can be caused either by Parkinson's or the medication used to treat it.
The amount of help and support you give them will need to change
too. Your resident's condition and their individual care plan
should be reviewed regularly to take into account their changing
needs.
Care needs
Parkinson's symptoms can quickly change. Mum might be able to do something one day but not the next. This concept is sometimes hard to understand.
Barbara, whose mum has Parkinson's
Your resident with Parkinson's may have particular problems with
day-to-day tasks. You may find the following resources useful:
Treating Parkinson's
Medication is the main treatment for Parkinson's. There are
drugs that work by replacing or mimicking the actions of dopamine,
the chemical that is in short supply in the brains of people with
Parkinson's.
More information
Timing of Parkinson's medication
Someone with Parkinson's may take lots of different drugs.
Taking medication at exactly the right time is crucial for people
with Parkinson's. Make sure you give Parkinson's medication on
time, every time, so that your resident with Parkinson's stays as
independent as possible.
Ask your resident's GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse to carry
out a medical usage review a couple of months after they have
arrived, to make sure that medication is tailored to their current
needs.
More information
Creating a positive environment
Providing a stimulating environment for people affected by Parkinson's is an important part of their care.
Wendy Timms, Manager, BUPA Mali Jenkins Specialist Residential Home
A safe, stimulating environment is important for people with
Parkinson's.
Exercise sessions can be really
helpful with pain and stiffness. Music can help people with
Parkinson's to initiate movement.
Parkinson's affects everyone in different ways. Listen to the
person with Parkinson's and their family about how the condition
affects them.
Talk to your resident regularly and give them time to answer. It
may take them time to respond, but this doesn't mean they are not
listening or don't understand.
Seeing and reporting change
People with Parkinson's should have regular medical reviews by a
specialist and access to any therapy support they need.
As you're in close contact with your resident between clinical
appointments, you'll see subtle changes in their symptoms and
wellbeing, including their hearing, sight and skin condition. Keep
a record to give to your resident's GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse.
Parkinson's nurses
As a care home staff member, you're a key part of a
multidisciplinary team that includes a range of healthcare
professionals. Parkinson's nurses make
sure that people with Parkinson's have a range of care and
support.
What is available for professionals?
Resources for professionals
We have a range of resources on all
aspects of Parkinson's. Our information pack for professionals is a
new resource that contains a wealth of helpful guides and leaflets
for those working with people with Parkinson's.
Training
See our education and training pages
for information about courses and seminars for nursing and care
home staff.
Join our Professionals' Network
Our Professionals'
Network offers you the latest information about Parkinson's
tailored to your professional needs. It's free for all health and
social care professionals.
Caring for your resident with Parkinson's booklet
Order our booklet created especially for care home staff,
Caring for your resident with
Parkinson's.
Helpline support for professionals
As well as providing support, advice and information to people
affected by Parkinson's, our free and confidential helpline 0808 800 0303 can give best practice
information to health and social care professionals.
- email
-
Share