Parkinson’s Disease – Support for You

A diagnosis of Parkinsons is a life-changing moment. However, with advances in treatment and the right support there is much an individual with Parkinsons disease can do to live every day to the fullest. Here in Massachusetts, we have many resources to help navigate the PD diagnosis and get the information you need. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the countrys largest grassroots organization serving those touched by Parkinsons disease. What makes APDA unique is that we are in cities, towns, and communities across the U.S. In Massachusetts there is a APDA Chapter, Information & Referral Center, Centers for Advanced Research, Specialized programs in Young Onset, Veterans and Rehabilitation Resources, and countless support groups, we are able to quickly reach people and connect them to resources that will provide the best outcomes as they navigate Parkinsons disease.Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological movement disorder. Over one million people live with Parkinsons. The results of a new study show that the incidence of Parkinsons disease (PD), or the number of new cases diagnosed per year, is 50% higher than previously estimated. Instead of past estimates of 60,000 new cases of PD diagnosed per year, the new study determined that there are approximately 90,000 new cases of PD diagnosed in the US per year. It can begin with a tremor, difficulty writing, stooped posture, stiff muscles, or slightly slurred speech; symptoms are different for every person. If you have questions reach out to your doctor. APDAs mission is to provide information, education, and support to all impacted by the disease and to fund scientific research into the causes, prevention, treatments and ultimately the cure.  We take pride in the fact that we are in your community and many others across the country serving people with Parkinsons disease to provide support from the day of diagnosis throughout the Parkinson journey. We have also been a funding partner in most major Parkinsons disease discoveries, and we will continue to fund research initiatives that can stop the devastation of living with this disabling disease.  The last few years have been especially challenging for the PD community and APDA has worked hard to develop programs and services that the community can access from the safety and comfort of their home. APDA has developed a library of virtual education topics, virtual support groups, caregiver programs and continues to operate the incredibly valuable APDA information and referral line that provides expert guidance without charge. APDA is here to help with the following programs some in person and others virtually:        Health and wellness initiatives delivering programs to help people maintain independence and optimism starting at diagnosis.        Education and support programs connecting people with Parkinsons in local communities.         Expedited and innovative research to develop promising clinical approaches and better outcomes and funding the next generation of scientists dedicated to finding new treatments and a cure. For information about Massachusetts programs or to become a volunteer contact: APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University School of Medicine Boston, MA 02118 and at 617-638-8466 or 800-651-8466 apdama@apdaparkinson.org & www.apdama.org This article was submitted by Bill Patjane- Regional Director of the APDA- Northeast bpatjane@apdaparkinson.org (617) 352-9330

Many families may be reluctant to hire home care partners because of widely held, but frequently untrue impressions of what home caregiving services are like based on things theyve heard. But the truth is, much of that talk is inaccurate. The truth is home caregiving services often improve quality of life for both seniors and their families. Lets separate fact from fiction with these four myths about home caregiving services, debunked.1. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Are Too ExpensiveOften, families are reluctant to use home caregiving services because they believe it would be too expensive. And they are often unaware that insurance covers many necessary home caregiving services.  In reality, home caregiving services are far less expensive than nursing home care. Comparatively, it makes good financial sense to opt for home caregiving services. Plus, home caregiving services allow your beloved senior to stay in a familiar place surrounded by people who love them, and that has so many benefits in terms of comfort and ease for your loved one.2. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Are Inferior to Assisted Living or Nursing Home CareAnother common myth about home caregiving services is that they are inferior to assisted living or nursing home care. As a result, families often believe that their loved one will receive better or more consistent care in a nursing home. But this isnt the case.  Indeed, home caregiving services allow you to be involved and aware of the services your loved one receives in a way that is different if your beloved senior resides in a facility. Furthermore, home caregiving staff are fully trained, certified and bonded and have extensive qualifications. And importantly, your senior loved one will receive undivided attention rather than being one of many patients in a facility. 3. Myth: Home Caregiving Services Place Seniors at RiskFamilies often worry that choosing home caregiving services will place their beloved seniors at risk. In reality, however, home caregiving services can often be safer than assisted living or nursing home options. Since you are in charge of the staff you select, you can fully screen them and choose a person that best fits your loved ones needs, personality and expectations.  Your loved one isnt exposed to the same risks as they would be in communal living. The COVID-19 pandemic was a tragic example of just how unsafe assisted living and nursing home facilities can be. Indeed, when seniors live in large groups and often without adequate numbers of staff, it can be foster an environment where communal diseases spread. Thats something your senior loved one is far less likely to experience when living in their own home.4. Myth: I Should Do All Caregiving MyselfCare partners too often place a heavy burden on themselves by attempting to do 100% of the care their senior loved one needs. This leads to burnout and can strain family relationships at a time when both you and your senior loved one would prefer to enjoy quality time together. And often, this is a result of believing the myth that your senior loved one wont be comfortable or safe with anyone else. However, this isnt the case. In fact, home caregiving services give both you and your senior loved one a much-needed break. And because you choose your care partner, you can ensure that both you and your beloved senior are comfortable with the person providing their care.   At Celtic Angels, Inc., we take your beloved seniors safety and comfort seriously. Thats why we fully vet and train each of our care partners, and we always tailor care to your unique situation. If you are interested in exploring home caregiving services for your senior loved one, we encourage you to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with our care partners in your home. Please visit us at www.celticangelsinc.com

Making decisions about your future or that of a senior loved one is often daunting. All the what ifs keep you up at night, and its hard to know whats best. Most people would prefer to age in place, but how do you know whether thats right for you or your senior loved one? Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about home health, answered. 1. Is In-Home Health Care Safe?Naturally, one of the first questions many people have is whether in-home health care is safe. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Care partners from reputable agencies, like Celtic Angels, are fully trained, certified, and thoroughly screened. 2. Will I/My Senior Loved One Receive Quality Care?Absolutely! Home health care partners are skilled in their jobs, so you can trust that you/your senior loved one will receive quality care. Plus, one of the best things about in-home health care is family members are able to monitor the type of care their senior loved one receives much more closely than they would if their loved one was in assisted living or a nursing home.3. Would My Senior Loved One Be Better Off in a Nursing Home?Most seniors prefer to age in place rather than in a nursing home, and families should feel confident knowing thats an excellent choice. In fact, a recent study found that in-home health care offers a variety of benefits to seniors and their families and that many seniors in nursing homes dont have a medical need to be there. Plus, in-home health care keeps your senior loved one from being exposed to the risks of communal living, which were sadly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.4. Is Home Health Expensive?In-home health can be more affordable than you may realize. Indeed, the same study mentioned above found that on average, in-home health care cost approximately $25,000 less per year than nursing home care. 5. What Services Are Available Through Home Health?A multitude of services are available through in-home health care. For example, at Celtic Angels, we offer everything from homemaking services to skilled nursing. You can read more about the many services we provide at www.celticangelsinc.com 6. Can I Choose My Care Partner?Of course! Its imperative that you and your senior loved one feel comfortable with your care partner. Thats why Celtic Angels always schedules a no-cost, no-obligation initial meeting in your home, during which you have the opportunity to discuss a custom-tailored care program for you or your loved one. 7. How Do I Know Which Home Health Agency to Choose?Choosing the right in-home health care agency is an important decision. We recommend checking to see whether the agency is fully bonded, licensed, and insured. You should also ask about what certifications and training their CNAs and HHAs have and how they conduct background checks for care partners. Its always a good idea to ask for references, as well.  Would you like to learn more about home health or set up a meeting to see if Celtic Angels is the right fit for you/your senior loved one? Contact us today to begin!