Tremors are a common symptom seniors with Parkinson’s experience, and they can range from barely noticeable to severe enough to limit normal activities. There are two types of tremors that can be identified—those that occur when active and those that occur when resting. Both tend to increase in severity and frequency throughout the progression of the disease. If you provide care for a senior loved one living with Parkinson’s, here are several ways to manage tremors so they have less of an impact on your loved one’s quality of life.
Check Medication Side Effects
While tremors occur as a normal symptom of Parkinson’s, there are medications that can make them worse, including some antidepressants, tranquilizers, and anti-asthma drugs. If your loved one’s tremors have suddenly worsened after starting a new medication, it may be helpful to check the listed side effects and discuss the symptoms with your loved one’s physician.
Use Counterpressure Strategies
For many seniors with Parkinson’s, tremors are stronger in the hands. Often, squeezing a ball or holding a pen tightly can stop the tremor before it has a chance to start. Alternatively, aging adults with Parkinson’s may find tapping their feet to music or pedaling on an exercise bicycle can provide relief from tremors that begin in the legs.
Limit Stress & Practice Relaxation Techniques
Parkinson’s tremors are sometimes exacerbated by emotional stress. Aging adults living with Parkinson’s disease may be able to relieve or lessen the severity of tremors by addressing sources of stress and reducing anxiety levels as much as possible. There are a variety of methods for managing stress, so it may be necessary for older adults with Parkinson’s to try out several different options and techniques to discover which ones are most effective for them. Strategies such as spending time with loved ones, practicing meditation, and participating in favorite activities can often eliminate stress-induced tremors.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Edmonton seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular exercise has been shown to be helpful for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. The greatest benefits come from more intense physical activity, such as pedaling a stationary or traditional bike vigorously. Other options include walking, swimming, and dancing. Swimming and cycling are low-impact forms of exercise that offer a variety of physical benefits while minimizing stress on aging joints.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Adjust Living Arrangements
It may not be possible to stop tremors completely. However, it’s possible to modify the home environment in ways that encourage independence. Special cookware and dishes can be used to counteract tremors and make it possible for seniors to prepare and eat their meals. Support from a professional in-home caregiver is another great option. Caregivers can help seniors with Parkinson’s with activities of daily living while promoting their independence and dignity.By using a combination of strategies to manage Parkinson’s tremors, seniors can enjoy a high quality of life while knowing they have the right support to overcome Parkinson’s-related symptoms. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Edmonton home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Call Home Care Assistance at (780) 490-7337 to learn more about our flexibl and customizable senior care plans.