Parkinson's Disease — Care at Home
How Parkinson's disease progresses, how home care can help at each stage, and what support is available for people with Parkinson's and their carers.
Key Facts
- Around 145,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's disease
- Parkinson's affects movement, causing tremor, rigidity and slowness
- It is a progressive condition but progression varies greatly
- Non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbance, depression, cognitive changes and fatigue
- Medication timing is critical — carers must understand and respect prescription schedules
- Parkinson's UK helpline: 0808 800 0303
Living Well With Parkinson's
Many people live well with Parkinson's for many years, particularly with good medication management and therapy. Regular physiotherapy maintains mobility and reduces fall risk. Occupational therapy helps adapt the home. Speech therapy addresses swallowing and communication difficulties. Home care can support all of these alongside daily living tasks.
The Importance of Medication Timing
Parkinson's medication must be taken at precise times — even a 30-minute delay can cause significant 'off' periods where symptoms dramatically worsen. Home carers must understand this and never delay or skip medication. The Parkinson's UK campaign 'Get It On Time' highlights this issue in hospital settings, but it applies equally at home.