Archive for July 29th, 2010

Posted on July 29, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

HOW THE NURSING HOME TAKES CARE OF THE ELDER WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

(PART I)

Parkinson’s medications

Medications for Parkinson’s disease need to be given on time. In the nursing profession, State guidelines give the nurse a leeway, of one hour before – to – one hour after the time of a scheduled medication, for it to be given. So a medication that is ordered for 9am may be given as early as 8am or as late as 10am and still be considered “on time.” But not so with a medication for neurological functions, such as a Parkinson’s medication. In order for that person to function at their highest level they need to have a continuous delivery of the medication.  Blood levels rise and fall after every dose of the medication. The goal is to have the most constant level in the blood of the medication.

When the elderly person with Parkinson’s disease depends so immensely on their medication in order to move and function. That “need” may create anxiety in the elder, if they don’t feel they can depend on always getting that medication on time. Giving the person constant reassurance through verbalizing your understanding of this importance will be helpful. Saying, “It is 5 o’clock, here is your 5 o’clock medication for your Parkinson’s disease,” will help reinforce that the elder is getting their medication on time.

For the elder with Parkinson’s disease, after taking medication for many years, while their disease progresses, the medication will not be as effective. To have a clear report on symptoms for the physician, you do not want to have any issues or statements about medication timing side track the discussion. Such as, “I know I would be much better if she just gave me my pills on time.” Giving the elder that clarity during every dose of medication, helps keep the focus on the change or deterioration of condition, instead of it being someone’s fault.

This small effort can provide the elder the comfort of being able to count on having this important medication, in a timely way. It would be difficult to calculate how much anxiety can impact a person’s function. But for the person with a neurological disorder it certainly becomes important to give that extra bit of reassurance, that indeed the caregiver is doing everything right.

Virginia Garberding, R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegettoknowme.com