Parkinson’s Disease Resources in Lehigh Valley

Did you know that 1.1 million people are living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States?

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder where nerve cells in the brain die, causing problems with stiffness and balance that can progress and impact walking, talking, and activities of daily living. Parkinson’s commonly impacts an area near the base of the brain, causing the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine is what signals the brain to move smoothly. Parkinson’s can also halt the production of a neurotransmitter that controls automatic functions like blood pressure and breathing.

There are four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

• Tremors: Shaking that often begins in the hands but can also affect the feet or jaw
• Muscle stiffness: Rigidity or resistance to movement from tense and tight muscles
• Slowed movement: Also known as Bradykinesia, this can make activities of daily living more difficult
• Postural instability: Balance problems can increase the risk of falls

Other symptoms may include changes in speech, difficulty chewing and swallowing, difficulty managing mental health and emotions, fatigue, pain, and urinary problems.

How Can I Improve Home Safety for My Loved One with Parkinson’s?

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, you might be wondering how to keep your home safe as the disease progresses. The Veterans Health Library has a great resource full of safety tips for your living space and bathroom. Here are a few of their recommendations:

• Make sure all walkways are free of clutter, like shoes or electrical cords.
• If you have throw rugs, consider moving them away from walkways to prevent trips and falls.
• Ensure each room has adequate lighting and consider installing nightlights along walkways.

In the bathroom, you can have grab bars installed in and around the shower. Handheld showerheads can make bathing more accessible, and a raised toilet seat might help as well. Check out Aykroyd Hardware in Bethlehem for products such as faucets, lighting, and safety detectors. If your loved one is looking to hire a handyman or another service, TruBlue of Easton has Tru-Pro® Technicians who can help.

Are there Parkinson’s Resources in Lehigh Valley?

If you or your loved one is navigating Parkinson’s disease, you aren’t alone! Here are a few resources that can offer support and more information:

• The Lehigh Valley Health Network’s neurology team at Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute can assist with services like deep brain stimulation, surgery, and rehabilitation. They have a free Parkinson’s support group that meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Room C in the Frank Banko Educational Conference Center at LVH–Muhlenberg.
• The Parkinson Council works to improve the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s, their loved ones, and their care teams. Serving the Delaware Valley region, their website offers a directory of local resources like support groups in Lehigh Valley.
• We’re proud to partner with CarePatrol! Their complimentary Senior Care Advisory services help older adults get connected to the care they need. You and your loved one can take their quick assessment to determine the level of care you may need.

Griswold In-Home Care Services

At Griswold, our Caregivers are committed to improving the lives of everyone they touch. We’re proud to offer non-medical in-home care services like elderly companion care, live-in care, and respite care. We also offer neuromuscular care support for those impacted by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Parkinson’s, and other neuromuscular conditions. Give us a call today to learn more!