Parkinson's disease affects more than one million Americans.
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements like tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and difficulty speaking. But there are many ways to manage the symptoms. Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time. The first signs usually appear in people between 50 and 60 years old. While there is no cure for Parkinson's, developing a solid Parkinson's care plan will help patients have a healthy and fulfilling life.
Parkinson's has four primary symptoms: tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head; muscle stiffness; slow movement; and impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls. Other symptoms may include:
These symptoms and the rate of progression is different for each patient. Early signs of this disease are often subtle and come on gradually, often beginning on only one side of the body or even just one limb.
Over time Parkinson's may cause serious mobility issues. Many patients opt for Parkinson's care at home. Some medications lessen the effects of the illness. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, talk to your health care provider about medicines. There are several different drugs available to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These medications can help improve your quality of life by reducing tremors, slowing down muscle rigidity, improving balance, and increasing mobility.
Medicines like levodopa can help treat the symptoms of Parkinson's by:
Typically patients take a medication called carbidopa in addition to levodopa to prevent or reduce some of the side effects of levodopa.
Other medicines to support Parkinson's symptoms may include:
You might also consider talking with your doctor about alternative treatments. Many people find that exercise, diet changes, stress management techniques, and complementary therapies can help them cope with Parkinson's symptoms.
In some cases, the disease progresses to where long-term care is needed. If a patient needs round-the-clock care, has minimal mobility, or requires aid in eating and bathing, it might be time to consider a nursing facility or 24-hour Parkinson's care at home. They also may need family caregivers to help them at home. The average lifespan after Parkinson's diagnosis can be one to two decades. A detailed Parkinson's care plan will help the family and patient prepare for housing, transportation, medication, and more.
Generally, a nursing home will have skilled nursing care, round-the-clock supervision, three meals daily, and help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating. Facilities will offer rehabilitative therapy like speech and occupational therapy, and the nursing home also provides physical therapy.
Many nursing homes attempt to have some social activities, have a private dining room for residents, and offer some arts and crafts. Friends and family can visit their loved ones at the facility anytime. Other amenities may include a hairdresser salon, a small gift shop, and private rooms for a higher fee. Most nursing homes have semi-private rooms with shared bathrooms. Residents have limited independence. For this reason, residents who have some mobility and do not need 24-hour care may opt for an assisted living facility with some medical care but a more independent apartment-like atmosphere. Some may have a family caregiver help them with daily tasks at home instead.
A Parkinson's patient who recently recovered from surgery or needs rehabilitation may stay at a nursing home temporarily. However, suppose the disease progresses to affect mobility and independence. In that case, a long-term nursing care facility may provide the best and safest environment and care.
Medicare is made up of multiple parts that each covers different services and treatments that you may need to manage Parkinson's disease.
Part A covers the following services related to Parkinson’s disease:
Part B will cover the following items and services:
Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) is a health insurance plan you can buy from a private insurer. Plan-to-plan coverage varies but is required to provide at least the same coverage as original Medicare.
While Medicare does cover most Parkinson's treatments [https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/disability-pay/parkinsons], at the advanced stages of the disease 24 hour care may be needed. Some nursing homes cost upwards of $300 a day, but not all nursing facility costs are covered by Medicare and Medicaid. For the first 20 days, Medicare covers all your expenses. A $194.50 co-pay per day begins after day 21. A Medigap (supplemental) coverage might pay for this copayment. After 100 days in the nursing care facility, you must pay for all costs.
Medicare Original Part A covers limited or sporadic treatment in a skilled nursing facility. Non-medical care (dressing, bathing, cooking) is not covered. Anything that is not "medically necessary" will not be covered by Medicare. Unfortunately, much of the cost may fall on the patient and family. The National Institute of Aging states that most nursing home residents pay with their personal funds.
Other ways to pay for nursing home care include:
Sit down with your plan provider and discuss what you need long-term for treatment, Parkinson's care at home, 24-hour care, and other essential aspects of your treatment. Plan with your family and make a detailed Parkinson's Care Plan. It should include the following:
Take the time to put together a long-term care plan with your family. Prepare now in case advanced illness makes decision-making difficult. Consider what will make you most comfortable and give you the highest quality of life long-term. Your family will appreciate knowing how they can best care for you.
