Following on from a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, it is important to look after yourself. Although the diagnosis can initially feel very debilitating, there is help and support available to help guide you on this journey.
Whilst there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatments and alterations to your lifestyle that can allow you to live your life as fully as possible.
Personal wellbeing
One of the key ways of improving your quality of life when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is by looking after yourself properly.
Not only does this apply to your physical health by ensuring you are eating a healthy balanced diet and exercising regularly, but it also applies to your mental health too.
Keeping up to date with all your vaccinations – such as the annual flu jab – can also help keep up your immune system and prevent you from getting any further unnecessary illnesses.
Treatment
There are multiple different types of medical treatments available to help you manage your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
Physiotherapy can be used to help improve your physical symptoms and relieve any stiffness or pain you may have, whilst speech and language therapy can be implemented to help you should you have any swallowing or speech difficulties.
Medications can also be used to help reduce your symptoms, although these may not be given immediately after diagnosis.
Monitoring and adjusting the kinds of food you eat may also be helpful if you have any digestive problems relating to the disease. This could be as simple as including more fibre in your diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
Relationships and support
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can be taxing on both yourself and your friends and family.
Whilst it may be difficult talking to people about your illness and the symptoms you are having, reaching out is crucial to help reduce strain on your relationships and keep them healthy in this difficult time.
You should be as open as you can, and also be honest if you just need some time by yourself to process things – communication is key.
Professional care support
Once diagnosed, it may be beneficial for you to have an occupational therapist who can assess your everyday living at home. They might find some ways of helping you adapt your home to help improve your daily life as your condition progresses.
You may also find it helpful to access professional care services, who can help put plans in place to support you in your daily life.
Here at Synergy Complex Care, we offer a variety of clinical and therapeutic care which is tailored to each of our clients with Parkinson’s disease. The services we offer help our clients retain their independence, as well as sustain as much of their lifestyle as they had prior to their diagnosis.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help somebody with Parkinson’s disease, please do not hesitate to contact us.