Tremors are among the most noticeable motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Since symptoms can vary, it’s not unusual for tremors to affect one hand or leg and not the other. Often occurring during the early stages of Parkinson’s and increasing in intensity as the disease progresses, tremors can be addressed to the point of not being so disruptive.
Counteracting Tremors with Movement
Tremors frequently disappear or become less noticeable when moving the affected area, especially at a stage when tremors are still relatively mild. Light to moderate exercise may also help some seniors maintain their mobility and manage tremors. For this reason, doctors often recommend an appropriate level of physical therapy and regular exercise for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
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.
Increasing Physical Dexterity
Some seniors with Parkinson’s benefit from exercises to increase physical dexterity when tremors affect the hands and fingers. For instance, writing, drawing, or taking a hands-on art class can, in some cases, get the blood flowing in the hands and fingers to reduce the intensity of tremors.
Controlling Tremors with Medication
Seniors with Parkinson’s whose primary symptom is tremors are often treated with oral medications and injections before resorting to neurosurgical options. Fortunately, studies suggest first-line medications, which often have fewer side effects, tend to be highly effective when it comes to managing tremors. Second-line medications, such as clozapine and amantadine, are often used to treat those experiencing tremors who don’t respond to over-the-counter or first-line prescription medications.
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.
Additional Tips
Older adults with Parkinson’s should also:
- Get more recuperative and productive sleep (reduce naps)
- Learn relaxation techniques (such as yoga and tai chi)
- Get evaluated to determine if it’s an essential tremor (a non-Parkinson’s tremor is often mistaken as a symptom of Parkinson’s that’s entirely treatable)
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. 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, an Edmonton at-home care 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. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (780) 490-7337 today.