The Comfort of Home™ for Parkinson Disease

Although not life threatening, Parkinson disease can have a major impact on quality of life.  A major concern faced by caregivers is the challenge of recognizing “wearing-off” signs in the person in their care.  Wearing-off occurs when the benefits of levodopa taper off and symptoms recur before the next scheduled dose can be given.  Being aware of the changes that indicate wearing-off can help to ensure proper medical management. 

What should caregivers look for?  Award winning co-author of The Comfort of Home™ Caregiver Series, Maria M. Meyer, and in collaboration, with Susan C. Imke, RN, MS, a certified gerontological nurse practitioner with 20 years experience working with PD caregivers and patients, recommends that caregivers learn to recognize common symptoms, and note whether they tend to worsen two or more hours after the last dose of medication, and whether they improve after the next levodopa dose takes effect.  Common symptoms include:

Motor Symptoms (symptoms that relate to movement and mobility):

• Tremors- shakiness or trembling in the hands arms, legs, jaw, and face.  Some people may experience internal tremors (trembling inside).
• Rigidity- stiffness in the muscles causing movements to become more uncomfortable.
• Slowness in Movement – movements become slow and hesitant.

Non-Motor Symptoms (symptoms that affect thoughts, feelings, and sense of well-being):

• Anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Slowness of thinking or memory problems
• Tingling
• Restlessness
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Extreme salivation

View a sample chapter of a Guide for Parkinson Disease (PDF):

Caregiving can be mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging.  Understanding what difficulties that will be faced and equipping oneself with valuable information can make a world of difference.  The Comfort of Home™ Parkinson Disease Edition: A Guide for Parkinson Disease Caregivers is the fourth title in the award-winning caregiving series The Comfort of Home™.  It will help caregivers, family members, and PD patients understand the day-to-day issues confronted by PD, andguide readers through every caregiving stage understanding the disease and its symptoms to strategies on how to avoid caregiver burnout.  Other important topics include, purchasing equipment, travel, therapies, activities of daily living, special PD diet guidelines, and fitness and exercise to remain active as long as possible.  In addition, chapters are filled with special notes and tips that alert both patients and caregivers to important issues that affect their lives.

When a loved one becomes disabled, many decisions have to be made; these choices can be difficult unless you know what to consider. The Comfort of Home™ Parkinson Disease Edition provides valuable information that will enhance the lives of all involved.

$24.95 Retail
ISBN 10: 0-9664767-7-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-9664767-7-4
Copyright 2007

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