Living with Parkinson’s in Chester & Lancaster Counties

Did you know that April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month?

This is the time of year to spread information and understanding of the disease. Read on to learn about signs, statistics, and how Griswold can help those living with Parkinson’s in Lancaster, Millersville, Exton, Malvern, West Chester, and other surrounding areas.

Facts About Parkinson’s

Did you know that nearly 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year? While a serious condition, it is treatable through treatment, which can include medication, lifestyle changes, and even surgery. Check out some other facts below!

• Over 1 million people in the U.S are currently living with Parkinson’s. 
• A combination of environmental and genetic factors causes PD 
• There are movement and non-movement symptoms  
• The risk increases as we get older, but the average age of onset is 60 

Early Signs of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s can be difficult to diagnose or even to tell if a loved one has it. Symptoms typically develop slowly over the years and often differ from person to person. That being said, here are several early signs of Parkinson’s: 

• Tremors, often in the hands or fingers 
• Small handwriting 
• Loss of smell 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Trouble moving, including stiffness and balance problems 
• Constipation 
• Soft or low voice 
• Reducing facial expressions 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Stooping or hunching over 

Managing Symptoms 

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s. However, there are many strategies for managing symptoms. Planning and finding the right mix of management strategies with the help of a medical professional can make the disease more manageable. A few popular strategies for managing symptoms include: 

• Exercising for 2.5 hours weekly can help slow symptoms 
• Medications focused on replenishing dopamine or mimicking dopamine. 
• Maintaining a healthy diet, including drinking a lot of water, eating fiber-heavy foods, and limiting sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, all help.

Resources for Those with Parkinson’s in Chester and Lancaster Counties

• Crush PD Fitness: A Lancaster-based exercise program that offers boxing, pedaling, and yoga classes for those with Parkinson’s.
• The Neuro Neighborhood: Provides individuals with Parkinson’s, their Caregivers, and loved ones with knowledge, encouragement, and connection free of cost. These groups focus on education, emotional support, and proactive strategies for managing the condition while fostering hope and resilience.
• Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, Parkinson’s Support Group

How Can Griswold Help? 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a Griswold-referred Caregiver may support you in the comfort of your or your loved one’s home. These Caregivers may offer a variety of specialized home Care Services, including Around-the-Clock and personal care options. They may also offer medication reminders and work with you to prevent falls by placing night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and other dark areas and adding non-slip mats in frequently used spaces.

If you are living with Parkinson’s in Chester & Lancaster Counties and need support so that you or a loved one can continue living at home, give us a call today! We are happy to put together a personalized care plan for you.