April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

As Parkinson’s Awareness Month comes to a close, we’d like to thank you for participating in raising awareness for the disease. It is estimated that more than 100,000 Canadians are suffering from the neurological disorder, and it’s heartbreaking.  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.

Canadian statistics on Parkinson's disease:

• According to Parkinson Canada, approximately 100,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson's disease.
• Parkinson's disease affects both men and women, with men being slightly more likely to develop the condition.
• The risk of developing Parkinson's disease increases with age. It is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
• Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Canada, after Alzheimer's disease.
• The economic burden of Parkinson's disease in Canada is significant, with an estimated cost of $1.3 billion per year in direct and indirect costs.

Parkinson’s and COVID

Although Parkinson's disease does not increase the risk of contracting COVID-19, it can make the recovery process more challenging if one does become infected. According to researchers, the virus can exacerbate brain cells in a manner that resembles neurodegenerative disorders, which raises concerns about future risks but also presents opportunities for developing new treatments. Additionally, individuals with a predisposition to Parkinson's may experience further damage to their brain if they contract COVID-19, potentially worsening their symptoms.

How Can You Help?

We thought we would close this month’s topic by including some advice for CAREGivers and loved ones who might know someone recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Imagine a stone dropping into the water; the exact spot it lands is not the only one affected. The waves that pebble creates extend far out into the distance. The same can be said about your grandma, maybe your uncle, or even your best friend that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It does not only affect them, rather, it affects everyone they love and care about. We know this can be a challenging time and we want to help you to begin building a CARE-partnership. They can’t do this on their own.

• Become More Involved – beyond just popping by for a visit, it might be beneficial for loved ones (or even the patients CAREGiver) to ask if they can start attending the regular doctor’s appointments or therapy sessions. When you are with them more often, you might notice little things that the person experiencing Parkinson’s does not. Things such as mood swings or unusual behaviour.
• Stay Organized – keep a calendar on the fridge or near the front door. Make sure that any special appointments are highlighted with the proper time, and are written on the correct date. If it’s a large calendar, you could note any side effects or pertinent information in the space corresponding to the date you observed the behaviours. Or better yet, have a journal handy beside the calendar for longer entries. Keeping a timeline could give you a bigger picture as to how fast or slow the disease is progressing and may be good information for your doctor to hear.
• Put Together Important Lists – this could be doctor’s names and numbers, insurance account numbers, important contact information for people such as family members or friends in case of an emergency. Ensure the list is quite accessible and in a consistent location.
• Talk Things Through – if you’re feeling stressed out, don’t keep it bottled-up inside. Yes, you are caring for another person and might have their needs on the top of your priority list, but you can’t forget about yourself. Join a support group that is local or one that is within the digital community. If you don’t like the idea of sharing with people who are unfamiliar to you, why not discuss things with your family or friends?
• Be patient – there are going to be frustrating situations and you may have to say things more than once. Please try to remember that the person you’re caring for has no control over what’s happening to them. Take your time, try to be patient with someone struggling and try not to let the little things bother you.

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, know that Home Instead Newmarket, Aurora is here to help you. We have a big group of loving and respectful CAREGivers to relieve you of some of the stress you are feeling.

You may also be interested in learn How to Help Your Senior Manage Parkinson’s Disease

Do you want to help? Visit the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario and get involved as a volunteer, donating, or advocating.

Support for Your Senior with Parkinson's

The team at Home Instead Newmarket, Aurora can help with Parkinson's Care for your loved one with well trained caregivers to step in and assist where you need them. Learn more when you contact us today.

Call us at (905) 235-7130 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver daily to families in Newmarket, Aurora, Baldwin, Beaverton, Bradford, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Cannington Brock, Ceder Valley, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Holland Landing, Jacksons Point, Keswick, Kettleby, King, Leaskdale, Mt Albert, Pefferlaw, Queensville, River Drive Park, Sanford, Sharon, Stouffville, Sunderland, Sutton West, Udora, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Willow Beach, Zephyr.

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Service Area

The office of Home Instead in Newmarket, Aurora services the following areas: Newmarket, Aurora, Baldwin, Beaverton, Bradford, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Cannington Brock, Ceder Valley, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Holland Landing, Jacksons Point, Keswick, Kettleby, King, Leaskdale, Mt Albert, Pefferlaw, Queensville, River Drive Park, Sanford, Sharon, Stouffville, Sunderland, Sutton West, Udora, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Willow Beach, Zephyr