Tips for Planning a Vacation with a Senior Relative

It is the peak season for vacations to all sorts of destinations ranging from the beaches of the coast or the shopping and sightseeing of the big city. With children out of school, it is easy to bring the whole family together.

While entertainment and planning for the kids will be simple with hitting the water, fun rides, and larger-than-life activities, let’s make sure not to forget the needs and accommodations of your senior relatives.

Tips for Planning a Vacation with a Senior Relative 

  • Ensure that you book a stay at a hotel, Airbnb, or lodging equivalent with an elevator or book a room on ground level. This avoids carrying items for longer periods of time and climbing multiple flights of stairs. 
  • Schedule enough downtime. We all need our rest and to get off of our feet for a while. Plan for ample amounts of quiet time to rest, freshen up, use the restroom, and recharge. If possible, arrange to have a separate space for senior relatives to escape the hustle and bustle of vacation.
  • Include them in the plans. Make sure to include activities that they love. Plan for activities and sights that appeal to them. 
  • Plan ahead, but also embrace flexibility. Establish a general idea of the sights, restaurants, and desired attractions and plan roughly estimated times for these activities. Think through the logistics and estimate with travel time, wait time, delays, and approximate duration of the activity in mind. However, allow flexibility. If a family member grows tired, adjust the plan accordingly.   
  • Assist them with packing. Run through the itinerary with them to make sure they have all the proper needs for each activity. If hitting the water or walking the town, pack items to accommodate their needs, such as extra sun protection and proper shoes. 
  • Consult with their doctor and ensure that they are safe to travel. Health conditions affect one’s ability to travel, especially by airplane. Check which form of travel their doctor recommends and guarantee that medical care is nearby your desired destination in the case of an emergency. 
  • If traveling by air, allow for enough time for leaving the house, traveling, arriving, restroom breaks, etc. Arrange for any onboard assistance, early boarding, or transportation throughout the airport. Book flights with a longer layover time to allow your relatives to recoup, use the restroom, and get from one gate/terminal to another. 
  • Bring all proper documentation, insurance information, and medication. Verify that all documentation is up-to-date and valid. Discuss these items with your relatives for clarity in the case of an emergency. Include the names of their medication, what they are used for, and the times they should be taken. 
  • Limit the amount of walking or strenuous activity. Rest is key. If sightseeing around the city, plan for longer stops along the way. Opt for sights where it is easy to drive up to and require less walking to reach. If visiting a theme park, break up the to and fro around the park with a longer lunch break, longer, seated, and less thrilling rides, or cart/trolley transportation around the park. 
  • If wheelchair-bound, confirm that the desired locations and attractions are wheelchair accessible. Confirm that the desired restaurants, lodging, museums, sights, etc. have wheelchair ramps, lifts, or elevators.  
  • Document the experience and share the photos with them. Memories are the best part of vacations. Bring a mobile device or digital camera to capture the experiences. Choose a polaroid camera or disposable camera for a fun, nostalgic way to document the memories. 
  • Manage expectations for the entire family and those traveling with you. Excitement will take over when on vacation — explain to the younger family members the need for rest, downtime, and patience. While waking up early may not be desired for the younger crowd, it is imperative to beat the crowds and ensure less hustle and bustle for the senior relatives to endure. Additionally, arrange to have a separate activity for the children as museums may not be interesting or they need to get some energy out. 
  • Proper hydration is important when traveling. With different altitudes and allergy/weather conditions, it is paramount that your family practices proper hydration. Carry water at all times and look out for the signs of dehydration in seniors. 
  • Consider bringing the help of a caregiver. A caregiver will provide your loved ones with the support and attention they need, even during vacation. They will assist with routine activities of daily living, such as dressing, using the restroom, and bathing, as well as have a full understanding of the medical needs of your senior relative.

If you are looking for in-home senior care, schedule a free consultation with our A Place At Home office. You can expect a quick response about pricing or answers to any questions about our in-home care, care coordination, or senior living alternatives. Our professionals are ready to provide you or your loved one with compassionate care, open communication, and support, and improve overall quality of life. Call or schedule a free, online consultation with your nearest A Place At Home location today! 

Caregiver Burnout Prevention

The first step to being an awesome caregiver is caring for yourself. 

Caregivers sometimes feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for their loved ones. They’re often providing support for someone else’s needs without recharging between tasks. This can lead to the feeling of being overworked and overwhelmed physically and emotionally—commonly known as burnout.

Caregiver burnout is a term that refers to the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion experienced by stressed caregivers. It can lead to symptoms like depression or anxiety which make it difficult for them to provide quality care for their loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent this from happening. Keep reading to find out how!

Signs of caregiver burnout

As a caregiver, you may focus on your loved one and overlook the toll that stress can take. It’s important to watch for signs of burnout.

  • Trouble sleeping too little or too much
  • Exhaustion that makes daily tasks difficult
  • Feelings of dread, guilt, being overwhelmed, or anxiousness
  • Easily agitated
  • Physical symptoms—headaches, stomach aches, getting sick more often, changes in weight
  • Withdrawing from people or hobbies you enjoy
  • Feeling disconnected from reality or that caregiving is taking over your life

Still unsure if you are experiencing burnout? Try this caregiver assessment from the American Medical Association.

Causes of caregiver burnout

Burnout is often the result of neglecting physical, emotional, and mental needs, but the following issues can also contribute.

  • Conflicting roles: When you become a caregiver, it can be difficult to separate your role as caregiver from other important relationships such as a parent, spouse, friend, or co-worker. You may find yourself neglecting other important relationships or letting them come second.
  • Unrealistic expectations: Caregivers often expect their care to have a positive impact on their loved one’s health, but this is not always realistic—especially for patients suffering from progressive diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Caregivers are also often overburdened—either by the expectations they’ve placed on themselves or by family members who demand more of them than they can handle. If you have an elderly loved one who needs memory care in Albuquerque, our specialized CARE programs can help.
  • Lack of control: Many caregivers find themselves frustrated by a lack of money, resources, and skills to effectively care for their loved one. It can also be overwhelming to feel like you had no choice in caregiving or that you have no privacy due to the time it takes to care for your loved one.

Preventing caregiver burnout

Caregiving is an important role that can come with the highest emotional and physical demands. It’s crucial to take care of yourself in order for you to be able to provide quality assistance when providing loved ones care. Now that you know what signs and causes to watch out for, here are some burnout prevention tips! 

Have realistic expectations and goals

Caring for a loved one can be an overwhelming experience. That’s why it is important to set realistic expectations, create daily routines, break down large goals into small tasks, or even just say no when requests feel like too much! Allow yourself to take breaks from caregiving, and share responsibilities with other family members. A Place At Home offers in-home care services 24/7 or even a few hours a day that can help share the load.

Accept negative feelings as a normal part of caregiving—it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person or that your loved one needs more care, but rather it is a result of your overwhelming role. It’s normal to feel guilty at times, but know that no one is a perfect caregiver. You’re doing your best with what information and knowledge you have—even when things don’t go exactly as planned!

Support network

Create a support network for yourself consisting of family, friends, and your community. Communicate with family and friends about your loved one’s health and situation. Join a support group online or in your community with others who face the same challenges as you. Find resources for caregivers in your area such as transportation, food delivery, or housekeeping. A Place At Home offers in-home care for seniors in Albuquerque that can help make life easier.

Take time to build positive relationships outside of caregiving, especially with those who offer nonjudgmental emotional support. Create a time each week to do this, even if it is just a phone call with a friend!

Stay healthy

Don’t neglect your own health while caring for someone else. Set personal health goals and routines, and achieve them. Get plenty of sleep, drink water, exercise frequently, and eat a healthy diet. Remember to set your own doctor’s appointments and screenings. Talk to professionals—such as doctors, therapists, or social workers trained to counsel people in mental and emotional issues. 

Caregiving can be rewarding yet overwhelming, but you are not alone. A Place At Home offers compassionate senior-focused care. Whether you need daily in-home companion care, assistance navigating with health care options, or help finding a senior living alternative, our professional caregivers in Albuquerque can help. 

Schedule a free consultation today! You can expect an immediate response from our staff about any questions you may have.

A Place At Home – South Portland Advocates for Inclusion in Healthcare

Jerome Philips, owner of A Place At Home – South Portland, is passionate about keeping seniors in their homes longer, with a better quality of life. That mission means providing his clients with safe and effective care and ensuring that his caregivers have a safe and inclusive environment with which to provide that service.

Over the years, Portland has struggled with racial and cultural disparity within its local healthcare system, making providing safe and quality care difficult. In the past, clients and other customers have had the option to say they don’t want care provided by someone with an accent or from a particular ethnic background. And healthcare agencies have had the option of accommodating those requests.

Cooperating with racially driven requests poses several issues. Inclusion, for one.

The first and most obvious issue is that of racism and discrimination in general. Allowing individuals to turn away caregivers because of their ethnic background perpetuates a cycle of unfounded inequity. It also impacts the quality of care that’s available in general. Caregivers are highly qualified and trained to do their job well, regardless of their background. And, from an employment perspective, it’s a problem.

“It’s a huge issue because it’s preventing those employment opportunities for entire communities.” Jerome shares that as soon as they opened their doors, they wrote policies against discrimination for his employees and clients. Even with those policies in place, it’s been necessary to express to some of his clients that they won’t make accommodations for them that are based on racial discrimination. And for families that are blatantly racist or hostile toward individuals? Jerome discontinues services.

“We do terminate services because we won’t make those accommodations. It’s not fair to our caregivers, and our caregivers know that we have their back, that we support them, and we’re willing to make difficult decisions so that they have a safe working environment.”

Thankfully, more often than not, once a hesitant family accepts a caregiver, they end up becoming attached. In Jerome’s experience, the situation goes from something the client may have found uncomfortable initially to a situation where they’ve formed a bond with that person and find comfort in the quality of care they’re being given. In addition, they find the caregivers are highly trained, efficient, and able to help in an invaluable way.

Jerome’s stance on these issues goes beyond how he operates A Place At Home. He’s committed to seeing a change from a higher level. He’s partnered with the Oregon Healthcare Association (OHCA). Together, they’ve advocated for their caregivers. They’ve had discussions with legislators at a state level expressing their concerns. “We’re talking to them and giving them very real stories because they really don’t understand what it’s like for our employees.”

OHCA has been a strong partnership, especially when it comes to fighting against racism and discrimination.

They’ve been long-time champions of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in long-term care for clients and employees. They push for person-centered care that is personalized and culturally appropriate. They also push for nondiscrimination policies when it comes to hiring and employment practices. The state has a culturally robust population that includes members of nine native tribes and those who identify as Native Alaskans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, Asians, Africans, African Americans, Latin, Hispanic, and Black. The state’s population also includes asylum-seekers, refugees, and DREAMers, to name a few. To push DEI interests, the state has issued new guidelines.

These guidelines require agencies to understand the effect that accommodating racially-driven demands has on the greater community.

Operating under the old paradigm undermines the quality of care available. However, the new guidelines offer hope if other agencies get on board. Jerome believes they will, even if that means they’ll have to decline care to those clients who won’t comply. Most clients, he believes, will realize that they can’t determine their caregivers’ race. So they’re going to have to become comfortable with the idea of inclusion. And he believes that agencies changing their practices when it comes to accommodating discriminating requests will positively change the experience of home care for all parties involved.

“If the whole industry enforces these guidelines, change will come.”

Over the last year, the pandemic has brought the concept of care in the home into even greater focus. As a result, several hospital systems are testing models of delivering care to patients in their homes. The idea is that treating people in familiar surroundings will produce better outcomes from a quality of life perspective. We need a skilled, effective, compassionate, and diverse workforce to provide quality care. Inclusion policies are key. Jerome and A Place At Home – South Portland are here for it.

A Place At Home has a mission to provide compassionate care to seniors where and when they need us. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we want to speak with you. Reach out to us today to start making an impact.

WISH Act May Change the Game When it Comes to Paying for In-Home Care

In news that could affect the care seniors receive as they age, the Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act has been introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY). This new legislation seeks to help seniors pay for long-term care.

Currently, most Americans don’t have the coverage needed to pay for potential long-term care needs. This comes at a time when Baby Boomers are expected to have increased needs as they continue to age. Many rely on federal programs such as Medicaid. Medicaid covers nursing home care for seniors who have meager assets, and families are often faced with spending down their loved one’s assets to help them qualify. In most states, the threshold for assets is just $2,000.

Medicare, on the other hand, provides no coverage at all for long-term care.

Another current option is long-term care insurance. But only 2% of Americans have it, according to Time Magazine, partially because it’s expensive. As a result, their loved ones often try to provide a patchwork of care. However, these unpaid caregivers are untrained in most cases and often end up suffering from depression and stress-related disorders. In addition, many neglect their medical care as they try to provide care for their loved ones.

The WISH Act Provides Benefits and Flexibility.

As this new legislation seeks to help seniors pay for long-term care, it also gives them added flexibility. Instead of just funding nursing home care, the WISH Act would also allow seniors to use their benefits to pay for 6 hours a day of home care and pay for other services.

Monthly cash benefits would be about $3,600 and be indexed for inflation. The money would be funded by a .3 percent increase in the payroll tax for workers and employers.

Seniors who are of full Social Security retirement age and have significant cognitive impairment or need help with at least two activities of daily living (such as bathing or eating) could receive benefits under the bill. Once seniors pay into the system for 1.5 years, they would receive partial benefits. Full benefits would kick in after they contributed to the program for ten years.

Benefits under the new legislation would not be taxable. And seniors who receive benefits under the WISH Act would still be able to utilize other federal benefits programs. Funds from the WISH Act would pay out first, and then other programs, like Medicaid, could be used.

Find Out What Your Current Options Are

To learn about current options to pay for in-home care, find a location near you. We provide compassionate at-home care services that make it easier and safer for seniors to maintain their independence and continue to live at home.

New Hope on the Horizon for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

With June being Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, it’s fitting that the FDA just approved a new treatment option for those living with Alzheimer’s.

Aduhelm is the first new drug approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s in 18 years. It’s no wonder the announcement has been so celebrated. The other reason? Aduhelm doesn’t just treat the symptoms of the disease. It is the first drug of its kind that shows the potential to slow Alzheimer’s clinical progression.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive disease that accounts for nearly 80% of all dementia cases. The Disease most often impacts individuals age 65 or older but can be diagnosed earlier in rare circumstances. Symptoms of the condition usually start with mild but noticeable memory loss. Eventually, there’s a total loss of ability to respond to one’s environment at all. Until now, treatment has been limited to managing symptoms.

Aduhelm claims to slow the clinical progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.

How does this option work? While no one quite has the answer to the way Alzheimer’s works, it’s strongly theorized that a specific type of protein clumps together, killing brain cells. These deposits of protein are referred to as amyloid plaques caused by amyloid-beta. Amyloid-beta is naturally occurring in our brains. However, researchers believe it becomes toxic when it groups to form amyloid plaques, causing Alzheimer’s and other dementias symptoms. By targeting these clumps of protein, developers of Aduhelm believe that the drug may lower the amount of them found in the brain.

As a treatment, Aduhelm is administered intravenously once a month. Several trials of the drug have been done in the last few years to get to this point. Close to 3500 total participants have been enrolled. These patients were in the relatively early stages of the Disease when the drug trial began. The results? Mixed. In one study, individuals enrolled did appear to experience a slower loss of function and cognition. However, in an almost identical study, participants experienced virtually no change in disease progression.

With such a clear polarity in trial results, why did the FDA decide to move forward with Aduhelm?

Though one trial showed no significant results, those that did experience a decline in the loss of function and cognition show promise for what the future may hold. With the frustrating lack of forward movement in the treatment and cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia, results like this can’t be discounted. However, this approval isn’t cut and dry. In fact, as studies and treatment progress, the FDA can pull consent for further use of the drug at their discretion. And while results among trial groups have varied widely, Aduhelm is proven to reduce amyloid plaques in the brains of those enrolled. 

Aduhelm does come with a list of warnings and side effects.

Most notably is a temporary swelling of the brain in some areas. This swelling can cause headaches, confusion, vision changes, and nausea, among other things. Do these risks outweigh the benefits? As it stands now, no one knows, and Biogen, the company releasing the drug, has been required to conduct a new randomized, controlled study by the FDA.

With over 6 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, forward movement regarding treatment is worth further study and attention. The memory loss and progressive loss of function are devastating to the individual diagnosed. Their family and loved ones are heavily impacted as well. The most recent report done by the Alzheimer’s Association shows that in the US alone, more than 11 million people are active caregivers for a loved one with dementia.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can quickly lead to epic stress levels, burnout, and a loss of quality of life for the person living with the disease and the loved one caring for them.

The A Place At Home system has been supporting families suffering because of dementia for almost a decade. Our professional and compassionate caregivers are empathetic and educated in the mental and physical care needs of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your situation, reach out to us. We can help. 

The announcement of a novel treatment that may slow the clinical progression of Alzheimer’s is undoubtedly a historical moment in the fight against this disease. The potential shown with Aduhelm sparks hope for millions of Americans and individuals across the world battling this nightmare of a disease. Of course, we don’t know yet what, if any, impact this new drug will have in the coming years. But this year, its release has brought further awareness to Alzheimer’s and dementia in general. And that alone is something worth celebrating.     

American Stroke Month

American Stroke Month exists to create awareness of the risk factors for stroke and educate the public about preventing their own risk.

Each year in the US, almost 700,000 individuals will experience their first stroke. While a stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, the risk for women is much higher than that of men. One in five women will suffer a stroke in their lifetime, and stroke itself is the number four leading cause of death in women in the United States. While the number of individuals who will experience their first stroke is large, someone who has had one stroke is at risk of suffering another one in the future. 

There are several key factors when it comes to the risk of stroke:

  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High Cholesterol
  • Artery and heart disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Excessive drinking
  • Physical inactivity

The situation may seem dire, but in actuality, 80% of all strokes are preventable.

This is excellent news, considering the often devastating effects of a stroke. Depending on the side of the brain the stroke occurs on, an individual can experience paralysis, issues with vision, speech, and language, changes in their behavior, and memory loss. It’s less common, but a stroke that occurs on the brain stem heavily impacts both sides of the brain. In these cases, a person can be “locked in.” This means they aren’t able to speak and lack the ability for movement below the neck.

In general, strokes fall into two categories – ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke happens when a vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked. There are two types of ischemic strokes:

  1. A thrombotic stroke is often caused by diabetes or high cholesterol and usually occurs in older people. Symptoms may come on slowly over days or hours and may be preceded by a TIA or “mini-stroke.” 
  2. An embolic stroke usually happens rapidly without warning signs and is often the result of heart disease and, in some cases, heart surgery. Debris from a blockage elsewhere in the body travels to the vessels of the brain. 

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to bleeding on the brain or the space between the brain and its protective membrane. This type of stroke also causes irritation and swelling around the brain, leading to further brain damage. Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 15% of all strokes. 

 There are two categories of hemorrhagic strokes:

  1. An intracerebral hemorrhage is when the vessels in the brain are weak and bleed. High blood pressure is often the cause of this weakness. This type of stroke usually happens suddenly with no warning signs and can be severe enough to lead to a coma or death. 
  2. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is what is commonly known as an aneurysm. This happens when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the membrane that covers it. 

Life post-stroke can be confusing, depressing, and overwhelming. 

In quite a few cases, life after a stroke will look drastically different. Everyday tasks such as using the restroom and getting dressed may no longer be possible to do on one’s own. However, you may not think of other things, for example, not being able to roll over or readjust yourself in bed because one side of your body doesn’t respond to your commands. Holding utensils and communicating with your loved ones. Difficulty sleeping, memory deficits, and emotional effects such as anxiety and depression. 

However, recovery from a stroke is possible.

Beginning as soon as possible is integral to making as much progress as possible. Generally speaking, the maximum recovery takes place over the first three to six months following a stroke. It’s essential to begin as soon as possible. Rehabilitation happens on several fronts. Physically, one will work on motor skills, strength, and coordination. Mobility using aiding equipment and re-learning how to walk is a significant part, as well as forced-use therapy and range of motion exercises. 

In recent years, more technology has played a part in the recovery process. Wireless technology has come into play recently. Activity monitors can help track and increase an individual’s activity level and frequency. Electricity is used to prompt muscles to contract through a technology called Functional Electrical Stimulation. Robotics can help regain the strength and function of impaired limbs, and virtual reality allows one to interact in a simulated environment.

Physical rehabilitation is not the only focus for improvement post-stroke. 

One’s cognitive and emotional state following a stroke needs to be attended to as well. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral struggles all need to be taken into account. Occupational and Speech therapies help address processing, social skills, judgment, speaking, writing, comprehension, and more. Counseling and support groups will benefit stroke survivors and their families. Often, a family needs as much emotional and mental support as their loved one following a significant health event. Resources for both patient and caregiver support can be found here and here. 

A Place At Home can provide support in the home following a stroke.

A Place At Home has a stroke-specific program to support individuals recovering from a stroke and provide respite to familial caregivers. This program is designed to address the specific care needs of individuals recovering from a stroke. It may be appropriate for individuals that have had a stroke in the past, as well. Caregivers supporting individuals enrolled in the Stroke Recovery program are CARE certified. They are educated to address the specific needs of this type of recovery. You can learn more about this program here. 

Taking heed of the risk factors for stroke is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Take the time to educate yourself on how you can help prevent a stroke from affecting your future and quality of life. That’s what American Stroke Month is all about. 

May 6th 2021 – National Nurses Day

May 6th, 2021, is National Nurses Day – the start of National Nurses Week.

Dorothy Sutherland called for a day to recognize nurses in 1953. At the time, Nurses Week was in October, in commemoration of Florence Nightingale’s mission in Crimea. “National Recognition Day for Nurses” was changed to May 6th in 1981. This day kicks off a week of celebrating nurses for the contributions they make each day in their communities. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has been an especially poignant reminder of the energy and sacrifices nurses make each day to care for those in need. 

The first of the frontline workers over the last year, Nurses Day and Week is a perfect time to thank a nurse in your community. Several organizations are showing their support for nurses this year by offering discounts and deals throughout the week:

  • Dunkin’ Donuts: May 6th, nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee at participating locations.
  • Chipotle: Now through May 31st, the restaurant chain is gifting free burritos to healthcare workers. You can place an order here.
  • Under Armor: The clothing line offers 40% off online and in-store purchases for nurses and others working in healthcare through May 9th. Visit their website, and confirm your identity here. 
  • GO-Clip: This company sells mask clips that attach to hats or other headwear. Through Nurses Week, use the promo code GONURSES to get two mask clips when you purchase one. 

Whether in schools, hospitals, clinics, or the home, each day in the community, a nurse can be found making an impact. 

At A Place At Home, our nurses provide a necessary service – Care Coordination, helping clients and families navigate an often complex healthcare system. Not only that, but they develop personalized care plans to help keep seniors in their homes longer and oversee a team of caregivers. Our nurses ensure that each client receives the compassionate and professional care that they need and deserve. 

Whether they are caring for children in schools, patients in hospitals, in the home, or those in hospice care, nurses make a difference in thousands of lives each day. This year, take a moment to thank a nurse in your life. If you or someone you love can benefit from Care Coordination or any of our other senior-focused services, reach out to us today. We would be honored to help. 

Parkinson’s Disease – Symptoms May Occur Years Before Diagnosis

A shot of a senior's hands filling out a chart with a pen.

Parkinson’s Disease is a slow and progressive neurological condition.

PD occurs when the nerve cells in the brain (neurons) that produce dopamine begin to break down or die. The nervous system uses dopamine to communicate between nerve cells. Dopamine affects our moods, movement, and memory, among other things. Parkinson’s Disease attacks the nerve cells that produce dopamine. Individuals diagnosed with PD may experience tremors, difficulty speaking and swallowing generalized slowness, and shuffling. PD has been diagnosed in over a million people in the US alone.  

That number doesn’t include the number of people who love those diagnosed and its impact on their lives.

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about why people develop Parkinson’s Disease. Studies indicate it may be hereditary, but family members’ occurrence isn’t consistent enough to prove this true. Some environmental triggers have been cited, but the risk of developing PD due to exposure to these is still low. Stress, particularly life events that can be traumatic, can also cause PD.

Specific motor deficits need to be present for an official diagnosis of PD. However, there are more subtle signs that can occur years before. Below are some of the most common ones:

  1. REM behavior disorder (RBD) – This is a newly developed, sudden movement during sleep. Specifically during the REM cycle of sleep. Often described as “acting out dreams,” this symptom may go unnoticed by the person exhibiting the behavior. A spouse or partner who is woken up frequently by sudden jerks or kicks may be the person who first notices that there’s an issue at all. While RBD doesn’t mean that PD is present, those who experience it (with no known cause) are at higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the future.
  2. Loss of sense of smell (anosmia) – Losing your sense of smell (when there is no other discernable cause) can be an early predictor of a PD diagnosis down the road. When related to PD, anosmia happens when the protein that leads to Parkinson’s Disease accumulates in the part of the brain that is responsible for the sense of smell. It’s important to note that losing your sense of smell does not mean you will be diagnosed with PD. However, for those that experience this, there is a 50% chance they will be diagnosed in the next five to ten years.
  3. Voice changes – If there is a noticeable and new change in your voice’s softness or volume (with no other cause), this can be an early PD symptom.
  4. Stiffness or difficulty moving – one of the early signs that something may be going on is a new stiffness with movements. Noticing that your arms don’t swing the same way they used to may indicate that something is going on.
  5. Digestive issues – A myriad of things, including diet, medications, and other conditions, can cause digestive problems. However, new and ongoing constipation and a feeling of being full even after eating small meals can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s Disease.
  6. Changes in handwriting (micrographia) – This may seem like an odd symptom. Still, if you notice that your writing has become smaller or crowded together, it may be an early sign of Parkinson’s Disease.
  7. Lack of facial expression (facial masking) – This one may be pointed out to you by others. Others may tell you that your face is “serious” or that you look like you’re in a bad mood. It’s important to note that some medications can cause this. However, if you’re experiencing new facial masking with no known cause, it is worth speaking with your doctor.
  8. Stooping or hunching over – this is a symptom that is commonly associated with PD. If you’ve noticed a difference in your posture, it may be an early symptom of Parkinson’s Disease.

If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should expect to live with Parkinson’s later in life.

Most of the above symptoms can be due to other conditions, lifestyle habits, and certain medications. If you are noticing some changes in these areas of your life and there doesn’t seem to be an apparent reason why it can be a cause for concern. Fortunately, there is information about managing the symptoms and even slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

It’s common knowledge that diet and exercise are crucial to health and good quality of life. This is particularly true with this disease. Staying active with regular exercise has been shown to slow the progression of PD. Most of us are aware that exercise is beneficial for the physical detriments caused by Parkinson’s (muscle weakness, stiffness, falls).

Studies done have shown that exercise works on a neurologic level as well.

Regular exercise won’t replace or repair degenerating neurons. It can, however, encourage the brain to use what dopamine it does produce more productively. The human brain is always adapting and evolving as it needs to function most efficiently. This adaptive behavior is called neuroplasticity. When observed in Parkinson’s patients, researchers theorize that the neuroplasticity benefits gained through regular physical activity outweigh the disease’s degenerative effects.

If you do find yourself exhibiting any of the early symptoms of PD, it’s important to remember that you do have a measure of control.

First, speak with your doctor about your concerns. They will help you determine if Parkinson’s may impact you personally in the future. If this is the case, do what you can now. Maintain a healthy diet that’s rich in lean protein, whole foods, and fiber. Stay hydrated. Generally, it would be best if you drank half your body weight in ounces of water each day. If you don’t already have one, start a regular exercise routine, and be consistent with it. And do what you can to mitigate and address the stress you have in your life.A Place At Home has compassionate and professional caregivers available 24 hours a day. If Parkinson’s is impacting your life, contact your local A Place At Home office. We are honored to help.

Learn More About the Ins-and-Outs of Home Care

We have a constantly growing library of video topics posted on YouTube. By watching, you learn the best approach to get the right home care services at the best available prices in your area. You also learn how to maximize those services once you choose to go forward with home care.

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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring the Anniversary of the Attack, the Lives Lost, and Dorie Miller

President Roosevelt proclaimed December 7th to honor the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the lives lost that day. 

The attack on Pearl Harbor ushered in the United States’ active involvement in World War II. The attack itself lasted just a bit over an hour but killed a total of 2,403 US citizens, 68 of whom were civilians. This day is relevant, not only because of its historical significance. 

Dorie Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross – the highest award given in the Navy.

During the attack, Dorie attended to his wounded captain, moving him to safer cover, and broke racially motivated protocol at the time to man a machine gun, taking down two Japanese aircraft. After the attack, Dorie was one of the last men to leave his ship as it went down. He spent this time pulling injured sailors out of the water and to safety. In 2019, the Navy began building a supercarrier, christened the “USS Dorie Miller.”

Dorie’s actions exemplify what it truly means to honor your country, despite the odds against you. 

A Place At Home honors all veterans, whether they served during wartime or not. All across the country, our caregivers are helping veterans stay in their homes safely and independently. It’s the least we can do to thank them for their time and service. 

Veterans spend their careers serving so we can stay safely in our homes; we are honored to do the same for them when the time comes.

For veterans specifically, there are financial resources available to help pay for in-home care, should the need arise. These benefits can cover homemaker services as well as personal care. Veterans need only speak with their team at the VA. Their physician can write an order for up to nine hours a week of care, with no out-of-pocket expense for the vet. As well, a benefit called Aid and Attendance exists for not only veterans but their surviving spouses. This particular benefit has eligibility guidelines but will pay for care either in the home or in a senior living community, up to $27,195 per year.

We are proud to ensure these American heroes have the care and security they need when they need it most. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, reach out to us today. We will help you navigate the options and benefits available.