Supporting our clients with Parkinson’s

26 Mar 2021 | Parkinsons

What is Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. The number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK is about 145,000.

It can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday activities without help. Many people respond well to treatment and only experience mild to moderate disability, whereas the minority may not respond as well and can, in time, become more severely disabled. In such cases additional care may be required. Eximius provides exceptional live-in care for Parkinson’s client, helping them maintain as much independence as possible. 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually develop gradually and are mild at first. There are many different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. But the order in which these develop, and their severity is different for everyone. It is unlikely that a person with Parkinson’s disease would experience all or most of these.

The 3 main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect physical movement:

  • Tremor – shaking, which usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting
  • Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – physical movements are much slower than normal, which can make everyday tasks difficult and result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps
  • Muscle stiffness (rigidity) – stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, and can result in painful muscle cramps (dystonia)

Due to the changing nature of Parkinson’s, it can often be difficult for families. At Eximius, we work with loved ones to help ensure the correct care plan is produced for a client. The care plan is unique, individualised and facilities the smooth handover of a companion. Evidence has shown that receiving care in the comfort and safety of your own home plays an important role in improving overall health and wellbeing for the client; with benefits being proven to be greater than moving a client into a care home. Eximius provide a personalised approach to ensure our clients receive a high standard of care, companionship, and service. This is thoroughly important in making sure Parkinson clients continue to live a high-quality life, with dignity, control, and choice. 

How our companions can help

Personal care

Often individuals with Parkinson’s have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care. 

Help them stay socially active

Our companions can help keep Parkinson’s clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community.  Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.

Additionally, companion’s at Eximius can play a vital role in ensuring clients carry out exercise. Evidence suggests that increasing exercise to 2.5 hours per week can be as important as medication in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Regular exercise will improve strength, balance, posture, and flexibility. It can also help with sleep, tiredness, and the client’s mood and mental health.

Help with domestic tasks

Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment. 

Help care for the client’s much-loved pet

Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.  

Eating and drinking 

At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals. 

Companionship 

Individual with Parkinson’s can become frustrated, depressed and there mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life. 

Safe mobility 

An individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house hassle free. Furthermore, collaborative health and social care is essential and people with the condition will often need the expert professional help of a multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team can include a person’s specialist, Parkinson’s nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech and language therapist. Companions at Eximius play an important role in ensuring this is organised, appointments are scheduled, and doctors are attended on time. This takes all pressure of the client’s family and enables them to continue living a life knowing there loved one is receiving a high standard of care. 

Reasons to choose Eximius

Consistency

We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes and build a level of trust. This is especially important for clients with Parkinsons whose condition may vary from day-to-day. Having the same carer means they will be able to adjust better to their clients needs.

Training and experience

Our carers have years of experience in all sorts of conditions. We would place a carer with experience in with a client with Parkinsons and ensure all training was up to date. They are also supported by our clinical lead and care team with over 60 years experience.

Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.