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More than 150,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's. Symptoms vary from hour to hour, which makes care built around fixed visit times hard to get right. A carer living in can respond to the day as it actually unfolds.
Medication on time, every time
Parkinson's medication has to be taken at precise times. Even a short delay can bring back stiffness, tremor or freezing. A live-in carer can prompt or give medication to the minute, including early in the morning and late at night, and note how well each dose is working.
Some medicines, including levodopa, work less well if taken with a high-protein meal, so carers plan meal times around doses where the specialist advises it.
Moving, freezing and falls
- Clear walkways and good lighting reduce trips
- Counting, rhythm or stepping over a line on the floor can help someone start walking again when they freeze
- Turning in a wide arc rather than pivoting reduces falls
- Carers can help with getting in and out of bed, chairs and the shower safely
Eating, swallowing and other symptoms
Swallowing can become harder, so food textures may need to change on the advice of a speech and language therapist. Constipation, poor sleep, low mood and, sometimes, hallucinations are part of Parkinson's too. A carer who is there all day notices changes early and can pass them to the Parkinson's nurse.
Support for partners
Many people with Parkinson's are cared for by a husband or wife. Interrupted nights and constant vigilance wear partners down. A live-in carer lets the partner be a partner again, with time to rest and see friends.
Parkinson's UK runs a free helpline and local groups for people with Parkinson's and their families.