Posted on August 11, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

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

(Part V)

It is never too late for a Therapy base line assessment. If it wasn’t done at the start of symptoms, it can be done now. As with every other discipline in the Nursing Home, the key here is a “change in condition.” If you have not written down what the current level of; walking, transferring from a wheelchair to bed/car, independent dressing, etc. you will not clearly know when there is a change. Do what we do in the Nursing Home, write everything down.

What Physical Therapy does for the elder with Parkinson’s disease in the Nursing Home?

• Works with problems with walking and balance
• Provides strengthening exercises especially for lower extremities
• Improves elder’s range of motion in joints
• Reviews any history of falls – works to reduce risk of falls
• Improves standing balance
• Teaches use of assistive devices

What Occupational Therapy does for the elder with Parkinson’s disease in the Nursing Home?

• Teaches the elder how to conserve energy and simpler ways to do things
• Teaches safe transfers from wheelchair to bed, to car, to dining chair, etc.
• Assists in bathing, dressing, grooming – all normal activities of daily life.
• Teaches use of assistive devices

Why Massage Therapy for elderly with Parkinson’s disease?

The gentle pressure of massage with hands-on manipulation reduces muscle spasms, decreases muscle rigidity, improves circulation and promotes comfort. Massage therapy brings sensory stimulation to those who may otherwise feel extremely disconnected. It relieves the loneliness of the disease, nurtures and provides one-on-one attention and can provoke pleasant memories. Massage fulfills that basic need for human touch.

How can a warm water pool exercise program help an elder with Parkinson’s disease?

While it is difficult to find a Parkinson’s Aquatic program, Arthritis pool programs are relatively common. Arthritis pools are warm water pools which aid in reducing muscle rigidity. Elders with Parkinson’s are buoyed by the force of the water and are able to engage in activities at an increased level. Elders with Parkinson’s disease have told me they enjoy increased energy, better balance and more independence since enrolling in a pool program.

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