MANAGING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AT EVERY STAGE
For Spouses, Care Partners, and Loved Ones
More than 50 million Americans who are care partners are vital to those who live with Parkinson's and other diseases.36
As a spouse, care partner, family member or friend, you may have questions about your loved one's Parkinson's disease. The good news is that treatment for this disease is getting better every day, and most people who have it can keep enough control over their symptoms to live a long, productive life.
You probably want to know more about the disease to be able to help your loved one. And you want to know what his or her treatment options are. You may also have heard about MIRAPEX, and might want to know more about it and how it works.
A list of resources has been created with you in mind. It quickly points you to the information you want to know most to help your spouse or loved one live well with Parkinson's disease.
We hope this information will be helpful to you. Of course, you can always browse the site in any order you like. If you still have questions, talk to your loved one's doctor. Also, be sure to ask the doctor if MIRAPEX may be right for him or her.
Adapting the home environment
Simple changes in the home environment can make it easier for your loved one to live with Parkinson's disease. The main goal is to modify the home environment to make things easier and safer. This will help them perform everyday tasks more easily and safely. It will also help them function more independently and give them confidence. Here are a few ideas34:
- With clothing, Velcro®* can be substituted for zippers or buttons, and pullovers will make dressing easier as well
- Remove obstructions and hazards in the home, such as doorsills and throw rugs
- Customize seating, toilets, tubs, and showers
- Install railings and grab bars where appropriate
- Use wide-handled and specially balanced eating utensils
- For patients in the advanced stages, wheelchairs and ramps can provide the means to move around at will
Consult the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) for information on catalogs that feature products that may make the home environment easier to navigate.
*Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., uses the Mirapex® trademark under license. The other trademarks referenced above are owned by third parties not affiliated with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Staying Active
Greater independence
Parkinson's disease may advance more slowly in people who remain active in the activities they enjoyed prior to the onset of the disease. Exercise not only leads to greater fitness for your loved one; it can also lead to greater independence for you. Patients should engage in an exercise activity that they enjoy and will perform on a daily basis.
Exercise can help maintain a person's ability to function. Studies have shown that exercise can improve gait, grip strength, and range of motion.35 Exercise also has the added benefits of improving energy level and sleep.
Experts recommend a combination of stretching, strengthening, and conditioning. In addition, some activities that provide cardiovascular conditioning, such as walking or riding a bicycle at least 3 times per week, are recommended. Of course, the exercises should be appropriate for the stage of disease the patient is in.35
Always make sure your loved one consults his or her doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Staying strong
Some patients may need or want to receive physical therapy to help them maintain good muscle tone. A physical therapist will design a program after evaluating a patient's function, abilities, and limitations.
Before such a program is started, it is a good idea to find out what services will be provided to your loved one. Also, before they begin, it is good to know the cost of the program and whether or not it will be covered by insurance.35
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 The following links provide further information and resources that can help care partners to:
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