Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that impacts cognitive and physical functioning. This disease  dramatically diminishes health, functioning, and quality of life over time, and there is currently no cure. As a family caregiver, you want to do everything that you can to protect your aging parent from health conditions and issues that can be detrimental to them. Many of the risk factors associated with Parkinson’s disease cannot be addressed, including being over the age of 50 and being male. Fortunately, there are other ways that you can reduce the risk that your parent will develop Parkinson’s disease, particularly if they are at increased risk.

The most accessible and potentially most effective way that you can lower your parents risk for developing Parkinson’s disease is by encouraging them to stay physically active on a regular basis. Regular exercise is important for all aspects of health and well-being. Staying active protects the body from a wide variety of health challenges, and makes it easier to manage health problems. When it comes to reducing the risk for Parkinson’s Disease, studies have indicated that regularly engaging in physical activity can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease by up to 43%.

The study, which followed participants over the course of 12 years, showed that those who engaged in physical activity for at least 6 hours each week had up to 43% less chance of developing Parkinson’s disease than those who only had physical activity for 2 hours each week. It is important to note that physical activity can mean any type of activity that gets your parents body moving, not just organized exercise. Walking, gardening, household chores, shopping, playing with their pet, and countless other activities that keep them moving can be counted toward this six-hour goal.

If your parent is already living with Parkinson’s disease, regular exercise is critical in helping them to manage their symptoms and challenges. Exercise keeps their weight under control, protects their heart, and helps to increase and maintain strength, balance, and body control.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them during the course of your caregiver journey. A senior home care services provider can be in the home with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they always have access to the level of care, support, and assistance that they need. These highly personalized services ensure your aging parent can meet their individual needs and handle their challenges and limitations in the ways that are right for them. This allows your parent to stay healthy, happy, comfortable, and safe while also pursuing a lifestyle that is as independent, engaged, and fulfilling as possible as they age in place. As their family caregiver this will give you a tremendous sense of peace of mind knowing that both when you are with your parent and when you are not, your senior has everything that they need to live their highest quality of life.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Lawrenceville, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources

https://www.parkinsonassociation.org/facts-about-parkinsons-disease/

http://parkinson.org/

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/exercise-shown-significantly-lower-parkinsons-risk

• Author
• Recent Posts

Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

Latest posts by Valerie Darling (see all)

• The 5 Most Common Signs of Malnutrition In Seniors - November 22, 2024
• Personal Home Care in Gainesville, Georgia: Supporting Independence and Quality of Life - November 20, 2024
• 7 Tips for Caring for an Aging Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease - November 15, 2024