How Does Parkinson’s Affect Seniors’ Social Lives?

Getting out of the home and engaging with others is vital to a senior’s health, but those living with Parkinson’s are at higher risk for isolation due to many of the symptoms associated with the disease. However, family caregivers need to promote socialization and keep their loved ones active. Learn about the potential social impacts for seniors who have Parkinson’s disease and what can be done to prevent those situations. 

Reduced Ability to Form Facial Expressions

One of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s is a mask-like expression. Socialization involves a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication, and with Parkinson’s, many nonverbal clues aren’t present because the disease affects the facial muscles. The reduced facial expressions could lead to communication challenges and negatively affect some social relationships. Medications and rehabilitation are ways seniors with Parkinson’s can address this issue and enhance their interactions with others. 

Mood Swings

Seniors with Parkinson’s are at higher risk for depression due to mood swings caused by feelings of helplessness, pessimism, restlessness, and other issues. If your senior loved one is depressed, he or she may feel like withdrawing from social activities, and it could be challenging to find the motivation to do anything. 

Help your loved one manage negative emotions by focusing on positive activities. You should also speak with your loved one’s primary care physician to see what treatments are available to relieve mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. 

At some point, your loved one may get a great deal of benefit from having a professional caregiver who can provide companionship and help with everyday tasks. Families looking for top-rated senior care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Muscular Problems

Going out and enjoying a social event with friends or participating in physical activities that provide socialization may become difficult as Parkinson’s progresses. Your loved one might experience stiff muscles, poor balance, slow movements, and joint pain that cause him or her to live an isolated and sedentary lifestyle. 

It’s crucial to remain physically and socially active to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and boost quality of life. If muscular problems are keeping your loved one isolated, consider attending social outings together to provide the support and reassurance he or she needs. You can also purchase walking devices that make getting around a little easier. 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to manage, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Pearland homecare provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.

Cognitive Issues

Amnesia and dementia are common in older adults who have Parkinson’s, causing them to become confused or forget important people, places, and things in their lives. When this happens, they’re more likely to withdraw from social outings because they’re worried about the inability to understand what’s going on around them. 

Unclear speaking is also a symptom of Parkinson’s, so seniors might feel embarrassed by their slurred speech, withdraw from family and friends, and turn to isolation as a result. Encourage your loved one to do activities that increase cognition and speaking abilities, such as puzzles, brain games, and speech therapy. 

Many seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can continue to live at home, but they’ll likely need assistance from a family member or other caregiver to do so safely. For many seniors in Pearland, TX, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call today.