Enhancing self care for your quality of life: Parkinson’s Disease

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Understanding the importance of self care is the first step in managing the symptoms of those with Parkinson’s disease. If this is managed well, it can be beneficial to both the carer and those living with the illness.

Parkinson’s disease is challenging for both. When we think of self care we often just think it is to do with cleanliness. It basically means ‘taking care of yourself’.

Parkinson’s disease presents itself with many challenges that can effect the ability to self care independently. It can then fall to the carer and/or professionals to support.

Exercise as part of your self care

Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s can cause muscle deterioration. Exercise can help to maintain a level of muscle stability, improve gait, mobility and balance and therefore help reduce chance of falls. Generally, moderate types of exercise such as gardening, swimming and walking can enhance wellbeing.

Maintaining regular exercise can also improve mental health and well being for the carer also. The more regular exercise is maintained the better you feel.

Types of Recommended Exercise for Parkinson’s

• Aerobic
• Walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Strength training with weights or resistance bands
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Gardening

Your Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist can also offer personalised exercise regimes to help improve your gait and posture and improve and manage symptoms. Your neurologist and Parkinson Nurse can refer you for this.

Massage Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Massage therapy is useful for managing stress levels and relieve stiff muscles which is a common symptom of Parkinson’s. This is not always commonly available on the NHS and may be sought privately. Ensure that any massage therapist is trained for Parkinson’s Disease.

Diet – important part of self care

A common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease is constipation. It is therefore recommended that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, good fats such as nuts and avocado and protein for strength. Fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids can help to reduce nerve inflammation and brain function in Parkinson’s and should be included in a healthy diet. Levadopa is on of the most effective medications prescribed for Parkinson’s disease; Fava beans contain Levadopa so some believe that including Fava beans in your diet can help manage the symptoms. Overall, eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods as much as possible is important for maintaining symptoms and overall health.

Food that is hard to chew

Many people with Parkinson’s disease can develop difficulty with chewing and swallowing as the disease progresses. If this develops it is advisable to seek an assessment with a Speech and Language Therapist. Such foods to avoid include:

• Hard foods
• dry and crumbly food
• Chewy and tough foods

If these food types are eaten then covering in gravy or sauces to soften them can help. Chopping foods into small pieces or putting them into casseroles or soups can make it easier to eat.

Low blood pressure is a common issue with someone with Parkinson’s Disease and it is important to help maintain hydration. 6-8 glasses of water is recommended.

Medication Compliance

Making sure medication is taken on time and as prescribed is an important part of your self care regime.

Parkinson’s Disease medication is time specific and therefore essential that it is taken as prescribed. Medication is essential for managing symptoms; if not taken correctly then it can make symptoms worse. If you are out and about it may be worth considering storing in a medication dispenser and taking your medication in a medication bag to keep it safe.

Sleep Hygiene

Someone with Parkinson’s can develop sleep disorder. It is important to discuss this with your health professionals as it is important to get a good sleep routine to help manage symptoms and overall health wellbeing. This can be helped with medication and equally importantly through lifestyle.

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Maintaining a sleep routine such as going to bed and getting up at the same times is helpful as well as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and late meals in the evenings

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Limit fluid intake before bedtime as it can increase the need to get up in the night to use the toilet. Some night medications can cause you to be in a deep sleep. If you are more groggy when getting up in the night this can increase risk of falls and disorientation.

Muscle stiffness can also make turning in bed and finding a comfortable position. It is important to seek advice from your Occupational Therapist regarding a good mattress, bed and aids such as slip sheets that can help to turn over. You can also find it beneficial to look in stores and see what is most helpful for you.

Socialising with Parkinson’s Disease

Social activity and socialising in general can help improve mood, wellbeing and enhance quality of life for everyone with or without Parkinson’s disease, however people with Parkinson’s can often find it difficult and withdraw as their symptoms progress and because they become self conscious and find it difficult to follow and maintain conversations due to cognitive changes.

Mobility can be a big factor in maintaining social connection and can often require assistance from a carer to engage socially. Depending on your mobility journey, using such aids as a walking stick, walking frame, rollator and mobility scooter and even adaptions to your car can all make a huge difference in maintaining independence.

Meeting up with others who have Parkinson’s disease can be helpful too in sharing experiences and gaining emotional support from those that can empathise. Ultimately it can provide a sense of wellbeing in connecting and maintaining links with the outside world.

Creating an Accessible Living Space

Creating an accessible living space can make your home easy to use; particularly as mobility challenges become an issue. Installing such aids as ramps, grab bars, wet rooms and seating can make your home safer and more comfortable. Such measures as having an alert alarm can make you feel more confident and more independent which can improve confidence and wellbeing.

Self Care for Parkinson’s

Incorporating self care practice into your daily life does not have to be major, small changes can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing; both physically and mentally. By focusing on physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing you can enhance your qualify of life for both the carer, family and person with Parkinson’s disease.

I do hope you have enjoyed reading my blog and gained some good ideas to consider in aiding the Parkinson’s journey. My ideas have come from my personal journey as a carer to my husband who has Parkinson’s and have found them beneficial in maintaining a level of wellbeing and prolonged our quality of life. I would love to hear your journey and anything that you have found helpful! Please sign up to my newsletter to continue to hear and read further blogs along the way.