April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Thank You!

During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we’d like to thank you for participating in raising awareness for the disease. It is estimated that at least 100,000 Canadians suffer from this neurological disorder, and it’s heartbreaking. But please, don’t let the month-end stop you! Keep the ball rolling by browsing our suggestions from past posts or do a little research online! The benefits of increased awareness are felt all year round, not only in April.

Spread Awareness to Support Seniors with Parkinson's         

Did you know that Parkinson's Disease (PD) has existed for over 200 years? That’s right – the first medical description of PD was written way back in 1817! Yet, despite all this time, many aspects of the condition largely remain a mystery to scientists and medical professionals.

It’s not to say that we haven’t tried to unravel the intricacies of Parkinson’s Disease. The truth is, many organizations and government entities spend millions of dollars each year funding research for management strategies, improved treatments, and an eventual cure.

But until we discover a way to halt the symptoms of PD, there is still a large number of people who need help navigating the challenges of living with a neurodegenerative disorder. That is why many organizations aim to promote Parkinson’s awareness not in hope of finding a cure,  but to help individuals and families who struggle with the symptoms of PD.

Events and Organizations that Promote Parkinson’s Awareness

If you're interested in making an impact in the lives of people with Parkinson's Disease, there are ways you can help – and you don’t even need a lab coat! Attending community events and promoting awareness is a powerful tool that can help patients receive the care they need to live happy and independent lives. Spreading awareness also has the ability to increase funding for organizations that are researching improved treatments and therapies for PD.

If you’re interested in spreading awareness, consider getting involved with one of these organizations and attending some of their events.

• Parkinson Canada has a SuperWalk every September and a Pedaling for Parkinson's event for cyclists.
• Parkinson's Society  organizes many Parkinson’s events and does fundraising to help support local families that are struggling with PD.
• Passion for Parkinson's Foundation hosts many activities throughout the year that aim to raise funding for exercise and creative arts programs for individuals living with PD.
• Porridge for Parkinson's organizes an annual brunch and generously donates the proceeds to UHN (University Health Network) to support vital research focused on Parkinson's disease.
• The e-ParkinsonPost is an online publication geared toward Canadians living with Parkinson's. They have a convenient newsletter that will send you updates on upcoming events for spreading Parkinson’s awareness.

4 Tips to Help Your Loved One with Parkinson's

You can be the best support possible for your loved one using these steps and the assistance of a senior care professional:

• Keep conversations open and honest. Watching your mother's health decline because of this debilitating disease is challenging. Your once-thriving mother slowly losing mobility and becoming dependent on you is difficult for her. Your best option is to keep the lines of communication open between you.
• Educate yourself on the disease. You will know what to expect and what options for treatment are available for your loved one. Understanding the disease and how it affects your dad will help you, too.
• Go to doctor's appointments. It is helpful to have someone available to take notes and ask questions. You can be that second set of ears for your parent and share any observations you have about them, such as their moods or sleeping problems.
• Spend time with them. Parkinson's is a slow-progressing disease that starts with small tremors and grows into immobility. It is helpful to spend as much time as possible with them to offer support and observe them. A personal support worker can fill in when you cannot be around.

Professional Caregiving for Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

We understand that helping a parent or loved one navigate the challenges of Parkinson's can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, there is no rule that you need to do it alone. The trained caregivers at Home Instead Richmond Hill & Vaughan can provide Parkinson's care to help your senior deal with the daily struggles of managing their symptoms. That way, you have the time and energy to do what is important – for example, creating new memories with your family. We also offer tailored home care services. Our compassionate team is trained and can help with things like medication reminders, Alzheimer's and dementia care, nutritious cooking, personal care assistance, and more. We are here to help you according to your specific requirements. Learn more when you contact us today.

Call us at (905) 597-4757 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver daily to families in Richmond Hill, Vaughan communities of Maple & Concord, Thornhill