Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder that impacts nearly one million people in the United States. As Parkinson’s disease advances, it brings significant challenges for patients and their families. In this article, we’ll explore the signs that indicate it may be time to consider hospice care for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease to ensure they receive the best support and comfort in their final stages of life.
Hospice Criteria for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Below are some common signs that may indicate it’s time to consider hospice for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease.
Inability to Perform Daily Activities
An individual with Parkinson’s disease will experience a significant decline in their ability to perform daily living tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, and walking. These difficulties are signs of the advancement of Parkinson’s disease and may indicate the need for hospice care.
Recurring Hospitalizations
Frequent hospitalizations due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease, such as pneumonia or infections, can indicate that it’s time for symptom management through hospice care.
Uncontrolled Symptoms & Cognitive Decline
Rapid progression of symptoms, such as cognitive decline and dementia, can lead to the need for a wheelchair or cause an individual to be bed-bound, significantly impacting their quality of life and suggesting the need for specialized care.
How Hospice Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease
Pain and Symptom Management
Hospice care teams are skilled in managing pain and provide relief for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Hospice care teams offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
Caregiver Relief
Hospice nurses can provide relief for family members and caregivers, allowing them to take care of themselves, while knowing their loved one is receiving expert care and support.
End-of-Life Planning
Hospice teams help patients and their families make important and difficult end-of-life decisions along with providing bereavement support.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative, movement disorder that affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled my nerves. Symptoms develop slowly over several years. Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments are used to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Tremors
- Stiffness of arms and legs
- Slowness of movement
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Deciding when to consider hospice care for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be a difficult and emotional decision. Hospice care offers a compassionate and holistic approach to end-of-life care, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. By recognizing the signs of decline due to Parkinson’s disease, families can ensure their loved ones receive the comfort and quality of life they deserve.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a gradual decline in motor function, as well as a range of other symptoms that can impact quality of life. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and manageable with medication and lifestyle adjustments. The progression of Parkinson’s disease is measured on a scale of stages 1 to 5. In stage 1, symptoms are typically mild and do not significantly disrupt daily activities. However, as the disease advances through each stage, challenges intensify. Stage 5, known as end-stage Parkinson’s disease, usually requires around-the-clock care to assist with all aspects of daily living.