Most care for a person with Parkinson’s disease, particularly in early stages, is often done in the home. If you are caring for a person with Parkinson’s, the following are some practical day-to-day tips to help caregivers maximize a patient’s independence and safety while assisting with activities of daily living.

Eat right! A well-balanced diet helps reduce cell loss in a person with Parkinson’s. Consuming antioxidants, like those found in blueberries, broccoli, spinach, green tea, beans, and certain nuts, can also help fight oxidative stress. 

Hard to swallow? People with Parkinson’s often experience difficulties chewing and swallowing. Anyone caring for a person with Parkinson’s should learn the Heimlich Maneuver in case the person begins to choke. 

Prevent falls. Parkinson’s patients often have a difficult time walking and balancing, so it is important to modify the home environment in order to prevent the risk of falling. Installing items like customized toilet seats and grab bars where appropriate, and removing obstructions throughout the home such as doorsills and throw rugs, is a good start. 

Encourage exercise. Exercise has positive effects on a person’s mood and may even help “rewire” the brain to a certain extent. Consult the patient’s physician for some suggested exercises, and maintain a slow to moderate pace with exercise to avoid fatigue.

Click here for further information on caring for a person with Parkinson’s disease.

While Parkinson’s disease does alter a person’s life, steps can be taken to ensure that a high quality of life remains intact. Aunt Ann’s Home Care works with Parkinson’s patients and their families on a daily basis to find the right activities and care solutions for each individual. Contact Aunt Ann’s in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 to find out how our home care services can benefit you.

People with Parkinson’s disease will often have issues with walking and balance, and could be prone to  falls. Creating a safe home environment for a Parkinson’s patient is of the utmost importance in order to prevent injuries from falls. Here are a few quick and simple home modifications and general tips to make your loved one’s home a safe and happy one:

Bedroom:

• Have a firm chair in the bedroom to use when dressing, along with a footstool to use when putting on shoes
• Avoid the use of space heaters, electric blankets, or other flammable hazards
• Install a bed rail between the mattress and box spring
• Use nightlights to make the room easier to navigate at night

Bathroom:

• Install grab bars and handrails in the bathtub/shower and by the toilet
• Use a shower chair and handheld sprayer to prevent slipping in the shower
• Use only rubber or rubber back bath mats in the bathroom

Kitchen:

• Install self-closing cabinets and drawers
• Lower counter spaces and work spaces so that kitchen tasks can be done from a seated position
• Install non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove, and always clean up spills immediately
• If your loved one is experiencing chewing or swallowing difficulties, use a food processor for cutting and peeling vegetables and other hard to eat foods

Click here for further tips on making a home safe for someone with Parkinson’s. (PDF)

Keeping your loved ones safe at home is an important part of what home care agencies, like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco, do every day. For more information on our specialized Parkinson’s care, contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

People experience Parkinson’s disease in many different ways and will go through a wide range of symptoms. Though it is difficult to predict how mild or severe a person’s symptoms will be, Parkinson’s does appear to take on five different stages as the disease progresses, and learning the course of Parkinson’s may help patients and their loved ones gain a better understanding of the disease and its effects.

Stage 1: During the first stage of the disease, also known as early-stage Parkinson’s, a person typically has only mild symptoms that may present as follows:

• Symptoms are only on one side of the body
• Symptoms are inconvenient, but not disabling
• The person will usually have uncontrolled tremors or shaking in one limb
• Friends and family can usually detect changes in the person’s posture, balance, and facial expressions

Stage 2: During the second stage of Parkinson’s, inability to perform normal physical tasks may become more apparent:

• Symptoms will affect both sides of the body
• The person has minimal disability, and usually encounters ambulatory or balance problems
• Posture is affected

Stage 3: This stage is considered moderate Parkinson’s disease, and more significant disability will begin to develop:

• There is a significant slowing of the body movements
• Early impairment of equilibrium may result in the inability to walk straight or stand
• There is generalized dysfunction that is moderately severe 

Stage 4: Stage four represents advanced Parkinson’s disease and is accompanied by severe symptoms:

• Rigidity and bradykinesia, or slow movements are often visible
• The person can usually not complete daily tasks and typically cannot live alone
• Tremors may lessen or disappear for unknown reasons during this time

Stage 5: The final stage of the disease usually takes over the patient’s physical movements:

• The person usually experiences a general reduction in vitality and strength of the body and mind
• The person may not be able to walk or stand
• Requires one-on-one care

During the mid and later stages of Parkinson’s disease, patients may require extra assistance performing activities of daily living. Home care professionals, like those at Aunt Ann’s Home Care, have the compassion and experience to assist Parkinson’s patients and their families with whatever they may need. For more information on how home care can benefit an individual suffering from Parkinson’s disease, contact Aunt Ann’s in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

According to the National Parkinson Foundation, in the United States, around 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed each year. And while so many Americans suffer from this neurodegenerative disease, most people don’t know the warning signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s.

A proper diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease requires a battery of tests to rule out other conditions that often mimic Parkinson’s symptoms. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help patients improve their overall condition and experience a higher quality of life in the long run. The following are warning signs of Parkinson’s disease:

• Mild tremors – usually the symptom causing people to seek medical help.
• Difficulty getting out of a chair.
• Speaking too softly.
• Handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small.
• Losing track of a word or thought.
• Feeling tired, irritable or depressed for no apparent reason.

Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes:

• Person’s face lacks expression and animation (known as “masked face”).
• Person does not move an arm or leg normally.
• Person seems stiff, unsteady or unusually slow. 

If you think that you or a loved one might have Parkinson’s disease, consult your physician. For more information on how home care providers like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco can assist Parkinson’s patients with some extra help at home, contact us in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

Universal design is an increasingly popular home remodeling request to allow for comfort and safety regardless of the homeowner’s age. Two-thirds of all remodelers have seen an uptick in requests for aging in place remodels. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation, safer homes for seniors are projected to be the most important issue affecting the remodeling industry over the next five years. The National Association of Home Builders, in conjunction with AARP, even created a new program called the Certified Aging in Place Specialist program (CAPS) designed to teach professionals how to properly modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002, more than 2,200 people have completed the CAPS program, making it one of the fastest-growing educational programs at NAHB.

Aging in place modifications most frequently purchased by homeowners include:

• Adding grab bars
• Installing higher toilets
• Upgrading to a curbless shower
• Widening doorways
• Constructing ramps or lower thresholds
• Enhancing lighting and task lighting

Home care agencies like Aunt Ann’s Home Care not only provide traditional in-home care offerings based on each client’s needs, but can also recommend local contractors who are experienced in home renovations for seniors or disabled persons. For more information on universal design tips, contact us in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

Home is where the heart is, and it’s for that reason that so many people make the choice to remain at home through their golden years. But oftentimes wheelchairs become a part of life when elderly individuals or those with certain disabilities lose mobility. This can be a unique challenge when it comes to making sure the home is a safe place. But a few home modifications can greatly improve safety.

Below are just a few modifications recommended to incorporate a wheelchair into the home:

• Make sure driveways and walkways are smooth, but not slippery.
• Install a ramp to the front door that has landings at the bottom and the top.
• Doorways should be 32-36 inches wide with enough floor space near the doors to move a wheelchair.
• Thresholds on doors should be ¼ inch or less.
• Cabinet shelves should be no more than 10 inches deep.
• Kitchen stove controls must be located at the front.
• Make sure there is knee space under all sinks.
• Oven doors should be able to swing open to the side.
• For deeper shelves, install a Lazy Susan to enable the person to reach all items.
• Bathrooms should have either a wheelchair maneuverable bathtub with a 60-inch turning radius or T-turn space, or a stand-up shower that is curbless and at least 36 inches wide.
• There should be space to transfer from wheelchair to toilet.
• Walk-in closets are ideal for wheelchair-bound individuals, but a closet organizer that allows the person the ability to reach all items is also good.

Additionally, floors should be clear of clutter and furniture should be arranged for maximum maneuverability. For a more complete list of how to incorporate a wheelchair safely into the home, Aunt Ann’s Home Care can provide home modification ideas and coordination. Contact us in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information on our eldercare services.

When we’re young and mobile we don’t think twice about simple activities like taking a bath. As we age however, we naturally lose some of our mobility, strength, and reaction time, and as a result, bathing can become a difficult task. Stepping over high tub walls, lowering yourself into the bath using only balance and arm strength, all while on a very slippery surface becomes a cause for safety concerns.

There are ways to improve bathing safety for an aging or disabled person. Consider purchasing a new bathtub with a transfer bench built into the side. To get into the bathtub safely, you sit on the ledge and swing your legs into the tub. Then you can use grab bars and rails to lower yourself into the water. There are also “accessible bathtubs” on the market today. These bathtubs let you walk into the tub through a door in the tub wall. When the door closes, it seals the opening so you can fill the tub with water.

Can’t afford a new tub? Make your old tub safer by installing a non-slip mat on the floor of the tub and installing grab bars and hand rails. And make sure there’s a place to put the towel and shampoo so it can be reached without getting up.

Aunt Ann’s Home Care can help seniors make their bathroom a safer room with suggestions for some simple home modifications. Contact us in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information about home safety.

More and more seniors are choosing to age in place in the comfort of home instead of relocating to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Remaining at home and receiving needed care there often provides seniors with a better quality of life along with a feeling of familiarity and independence that many do not get in facilities. However, as a person ages and certain functions become more difficult, it is important to ensure that the home is safe and can be navigated without injury.

This checklist can help you know what hazards to look for in the home:

Outside:

• Sidewalks/driveways: Check for cracks and abrupt edges that the senior could trip over.
• Stairs: Make sure all stairs have handrails that run the entire length of the stairs, preferably along both sides of the steps.
• Doorways: Make sure that thresholds are low to avoid tripping.

Inside:

• Floors: Ensure that all rugs are secured with nonskid pads or tape, remove any throw rugs that may be slipping or tripping hazards, and eliminate clutter.
• Phones: There should be at least one phone extension on each level of the home and emergency numbers should be clearly posted at each phone.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential, particularly for those with low vision. Consider using motion sensitive lights.
• Bathtub/toilet: Install grab bars in both areas, use nonskid mats or strips in the tub, install raised toilet seats, etc.
• Kitchen: Keep commonly used items in an easy to reach place and make sure stove controls are also easy to reach.

This list contains just a few areas of the home to consider when ensuring safety in the home. View further suggestions for fall prevention.

When considering aging in place in San Francisco, home care agencies like Aunt Ann’s Home Care can provide a home safety assessment for fall prevention, and even coordinate senior home modification services to ensure a loved ones’ safety. For more information about how to age in place safely and securely, contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

A diabetes diagnosis changes a person’s life. Most patients will require some lifestyle changes such as daily medications or dietary restrictions, and after becoming accustomed to certain habits, it can be difficult to change the way they live or eat. When it comes to managing diabetes, blood sugar control should be the main focus in order to help promote a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few changes diabetics face post-diagnosis:

• Food: A healthy diet is important in diabetes care. What and how much a diabetic eats affects his or her glucose (blood sugar) levels. Diabetics should stick to a predictable eating pattern to avoid overeating or spikes in blood sugar, eat well-balanced meals with the right mix of vegetables, proteins, starches, etc., exercise portion control, and coordinate meals with medications when necessary.  Click here for information on glucose level warning signs.
• Exercise: Physical activity is also a vital part of diabetes management. After talking to a physician about an appropriate exercise plan, diabetics should keep an exercise schedule, know what blood sugar levels are appropriate before they begin exercising, stay hydrated, and have a snack on hand during activities in case blood sugar drops too much.
• Medication: Insulin and other medications designed to lower a diabetic’s blood sugar level will become a part of everyday life post-diagnosis. Diabetics should talk to their doctor about the proper way to store medications to maintain their optimum effectiveness and report any problems with medications, such as lowering blood sugar levels too much, as they may need adjustments.
• Illness: According to MayoClinic.com, “When you’re sick, your body produces stress-related hormones that can help your body fight the illness, but they can also raise the level of blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and normal activity may also complicate diabetes management.” Diabetics should be sure to plan ahead by creating a sick day plan, and stick to their normal meal plan to avoid changes in blood sugar levels.

Make sure to talk to your physician about the important lifestyle changes that diabetes poses to your or your loved one’s life and how you can create a plan for success. For more information on how home care providers like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco can assist in the daily routines such as meal planning and preparation and medication reminders, contact us in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.

Did you know that not all diabetes diagnoses are the same? In fact, there are two main types of the disease: type 1 and type 2. Gestational diabetes is also a form of the disease that affects around 4% of pregnant women.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Without these cells, sugar from the food a person eats cannot be moved out of the blood and begins to build up. When sugar builds up in the blood instead of in the body’s cells, the cells begin to starve for nutrients, causing other systems in the body to work to provide energy to keep the body functioning.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Dry mouth
• Nausea with occasional vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss, even though you eat and feel hungry
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, affecting 90-95% of the people with diabetes. Unlike people with type 1, those with type 2 diabetes produce insulin; however, their pancreas either does not produce enough or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. This also causes sugar to build up in the blood as opposed to providing nutrients to the body’s cells. 

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Dry mouth
• Nausea with occasional vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss, even though you eat and feel hungry
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina 

Because diabetes care can be complicated, home care agencies like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco are available to help diabetes patients navigate the medications and lifestyle changes that are in store. Contact us today in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information on how we can assist the diabetic in your life.