Compassionate Home Care for Those Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Many of us know from personal experience that a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be devastating to the entire family and brings with it a wide range of emotions.
At Preferred Care at Home of Central New Jersey, we understand the complex challenges individuals and families face in managing Parkinson’s disease. We know that many families assume the caregiver role in the early stages of the disease. As the symptoms progress, the physical and emotional demands of being the caregiver become overwhelming.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when to begin in-home support, it is best that support be in place before caregiver burnout sets in so your loved one is able to remain safely at home. The support will ultimately improve the quality of life and offer much-needed relief to both the individuals with Parkinson’s disease and the caregivers.
According to a report by the National Institute on Aging, those with Parkinson’s often experience fewer complications when supported in a familiar home environment with consistent caregiving routines.
Personalized Parkinson’s Home Care Services
Our Parkinson’s in-home support allows your loved one to maintain their routines, sleep in their own bed, and receive one-on-one attention from trained caregivers.
You’ll know that your loved one’s physical needs are being met and the key factors known to slow cognitive decline–companionship, encouragement and mental stimulation—are being supported. Facility care options cannot match this benefit.
Many families in Central New Jersey are already benefiting from our in-home care. Here are a few of the key services we provide:
Personalized Care: Develop a care plan to address current physical, cognitive and emotional needs as well as perform monthly check-ins as the disease progresses.
Environmental and Home Safety: Perform a Safety Assessment to ensure the home environment is free of hazards and accessibility features are present.
Nutritious Home Prepared Meals: Prepare meals that are part of a healthy diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and unsaturated fats.
Consistent Routine: Support a consistent routine in activities such as medication reminders, dressing, bathing, toileting to provide a sense of familiarity and reduce anxiety.
Daily Exercise: Incorporate daily exercise to improve sleep, mood, motor skills, overall well-being, brain health and cognition.
Stimulating Mental Awareness: Provide cognitive stimulation through memory games, reminiscing conversations, reading aloud, music therapy, and relaxation techniques.
Our personalized approach to care leads to better management of symptoms, helping your loved one to maintain independence while receiving compassionate care tailored to their needs.
Our flexible scheduling allows you to choose what works best for you. The time we spend in the home can vary based on the level of care needed and the family dynamic. For some clients we spend as little as 15 hours per week. For others, much more caregiving may be required.
Challenges Individuals and Families Face
A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be devastating to the entire family. Family members know that this is a progressive disease with no cure. While their loved one may be independent for many years, doctors are unable to determine the speed at which the disease will progress and which symptoms will present. That makes for a case of fear of the unknown.
As the disease progresses, it’s not unusual for the person with Parkinson’s to feel guilty that they have become a burden and that they are no longer able to contribute to the family in the same was as before.
Meanwhile, the family member who has assumed the role of caregiver may believe that their life is being consumed by the illness. Providing care is challenging and stressful; they may feel they no longer have time for themselves and begin to feel socially isolated.
It’s important to build-in time for self-care and to ask for help when needed. There’s no need to navigate this alone.
Home Care vs Residential Facilities
When faced with a sudden health crisis, such as a fall or hospitalization, families are often forced to quickly decide whether aging parents should remain at home or transition to a care facility.
Home care offers seniors the ability to remain in a familiar environment, surrounded by memories and routines, while receiving personalized support tailored to their needs. This option can ease caregiver stress, enhance safety, and reduce feelings of isolation—all while allowing older adults to maintain a greater sense of independence.
Services can range from a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, and costs are based on the level and frequency of assistance, making it a flexible choice for many families.
Assisted Living and Nursing Home Facilities
Alternatively, assisted living communities provide a residential option with built-in personal care, meals, and social engagement in a structured setting. These facilities typically offer 24/7 staffing and safety features that can be essential for individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s.
However, as medical needs increase, residents may need to transition to a nursing home, which delivers the most intensive level of non-hospital care, including full-time nursing and monitoring. While nursing homes provide vital support for complex health conditions, the shift can be emotionally isolating, especially for individuals with mobility issues.
In New Jersey, assisted living can range from $4,000 to over $10,000 per month, while nursing homes average between $11,000 and $13,000 monthly.
FAQs About Parkinson’s Home Care
1. How do I know if it’s time to get home care for my loved one with Parkinson’s?
A decline in the ability to perform daily tasks, difficulty with mobility and an increased concern for safety are indicators that it’s time to look for in-home support. Early support can often reduce emergency room visits and prevent complications.
2. What’s the difference between hiring an independent caregiver and going through an agency?
New Jersey requires all caregivers to work under the direction of a licensed registered nurse. This means that caregivers who are working independently are in violation of this regulation and can lose their license if reported to the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
The benefits of using an agency are many: background checks are performed and skills are assessed before care begins, ongoing training is offered, payroll taxes and workers compensation are paid, and liability insurance in place.
While independent caregivers seem less expensive, the family will need to help manage tasks and may be on the hook for any on-the-job injury to the caregiver.
3. How often can caregivers come, and is 24/7 care available?
Our flexible scheduling allows you to choose what works best for you. The time we spend in the home can vary based on the level of care needed and the family dynamic.
Central NJ Parkinson’s Home Care Services
At Preferred Care at Home of Central New Jersey, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized in-home support that empowers individuals with Parkinson’s disease to live safely and comfortably in the place they know best — their own home.
We understand the emotional and physical challenges families face, and we’re here to walk alongside you with flexible, dependable care tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re ready to explore how our experienced caregivers can make a meaningful difference, contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward peace of mind.
