Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that occurs when nerve cells in the brain begin to die. This loss of cells causes the brain to lose a chemical messenger that controls many body functions, making movements increasingly difficult as the disease progresses. The symptoms can vary from person to person and usually begin subtly, often not interfering with daily life at first.
However, as the condition advances, daily tasks can become more challenging—this is where Parkinson’s care at home can play a crucial role in supporting both safety and independence.
Some common symptoms that many people with Parkinson’s disease find themselves living with include:
- A slower response time to desired movements
- Tremors or shakiness in the extremities, such as the hands
- Stiff muscles
- Reduction in automatic movement, such as swinging the arms while walking
- Posture problems
- Speech changes
- Other non-motor challenges
Because the motor functions are affected so greatly, it’s not uncommon for a person with Parkinson’s disease to fall or stumble quite often, leading to larger concerns of serious injuries and the need for Parkinson’s care.
Reasons Why Parkinson’s Patients May Fall More Often
- Balance challenges. Many of the movements that we make to stay balanced, such as swinging our arms while walking or leaning in one direction when on uneven ground, no longer come naturally for the person with Parkinson’s disease, increasing the risk of becoming off balance and falling.
- Getting frozen in place. One symptom of Parkinson’s disease is known as freezing. It occurs when a person’s feet unexpectedly won’t move. Your loved one will think their foot is going to lift for the next step, but it remains stubbornly in place. These sudden freezes make it easy to take a tumble.
- Shuffling. Walking gaits often change for those with Parkinson’s, and many begin to shuffle to get around, not lifting their feet off the ground. If there is anything on the floor that has a loose end, shuffling can lead to tripping.
- Weakened muscles. Because Parkinson’s disease can make it difficult to continue activities that keep muscles strong—especially the core and leg muscles—your loved one might lose the ability to stop a fall once it begins.
- Medications. Some medications for Parkinson’s disease can cause drowsiness and/or confusion, increasing the risk of falling.
- Low blood pressure. For some Parkinson’s disease patients, the disease affects their autonomic nervous system, which can delay the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. This may cause lightheadedness and dizziness when standing quickly.
- Vision problems. Parkinson’s disease can impair depth perception and distance judgment, making stairs or uneven surfaces dangerous.
Getting Help to Prevent Falling
You can help your loved one reduce their risk of falling by making their home safer—eliminating trip hazards and installing grab bars in high-risk areas such as the bathroom. Another essential step is to consider Parkinson’s care at home, where trained professionals can support mobility, monitor for symptoms like freezing or dizziness, and assist with safe movement throughout the day.
Having the support of trained professionals through Parkinson’s care not only reduces fall risks but also provides peace of mind for family caregivers. With the right in-home Parkinson’s care, your loved one can enjoy greater safety, comfort, and independence in their daily routine.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Parkinson’s Care in Tempe, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources today. Call (602) 443-4700
Home Care Resources is a top provider of home care services in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Care Free, Fountain Hills, and surrounding areas.
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