For older adults who live alone, managing a major health diagnosis like Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents unique challenges. PD is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, but it can also impair cognition. 

A solo ager recently informed of a PD diagnosis might expect to be told that they should move to an assisted living community right away. That may be necessary in the longer term, but depending on the extent of their impairment, they may be able to continue living alone longer than they might expect.

Understanding & Adapting to Parkinson’s Disease Challenges

Your journey with PD begins with recognising the specific ways it affects movement, such as tremors, stiffness, and slowing of movement (bradykinesia). PD also affects cognition, including changes in memory and processing speed. As with any diagnosis, acknowledging that these changes will happen is an important first step. Acceptance might not come easily, but it is critical to planning for the future.

Adjustments in living environments and routines, particularly focusing on exercise and diet, can significantly impact quality of life. Tailored exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, or even boxing, can enhance flexibility and balance, while a diet rich in fiber can combat PD-related digestive issues.

Creating a Safe Living Space for Better Mobility

Older adults may already have made home modifications to accommodate their changing needs or mobility. These adaptations are especially important for someone who’s living with PD.

Adapting the home should include:

• Removing potential trip hazards such as loose rugs and clutter
• Ensuring rooms, hallways, and entries are well lit
• Installing grab bars in critical areas like the bathroom
• Switching to lever-style door handles and adaptive kitchen tools

Technology can help with safety in a lot of ways. For example, a personal emergency response system (PERS) can be a lifesaver, providing the means to call for help at the press of a button. Pill organisers and electronic reminders can help manage the strict medication schedules that Parkinson’s often necessitates. Wearables that track health data and smart home devices may also help.

Building a Support Network When Ageing Solo With PD

Building a support network is equally important. This may include finding a support group, seeing a therapist, or relying on friends, loved ones, or the senior’s faith community for help and encouragement. Home health aides or in-home care services can assist with personal care and household tasks, reducing the strain and risk associated with daily activities.

Ageing With PD: Preparing for the Future

As independence becomes more challenging, having legal and medical directives in place becomes essential.

Anyone living with PD should put these plans and documents on their priority list:

• A health care power of attorney names a trusted individual (the “proxy”) to make medical decisions when the person with PD is no longer able to do so. Similarly, a living will can articulate one’s wishes regarding medical treatment in various scenarios, including their preferences about the use of life support.
• A financial power of attorney names a trusted person who is allowed to manage financial affairs, which becomes crucial if handling money and daily financial decisions becomes too difficult.

An elder law attorney can help prepare these documents and others, such as estate plans and wills. Organising and securely storing all important documents, plus insurance policies, personal IDs, etc., is a great help for both the person living with PD and their designated proxies. The power of attorney documents should be shared with the proxies and, in the case of health care powers of attorney, with the primary health care providers.

Preserving Independence and Dignity When Ageing With PD

With preparation, living alone with Parkinson’s can remain a viable option for many, helping to preserve independence and dignity even as the disease progresses.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT & Queanbeyan; ACT Canberra; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Central West New South Wales; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Gosford; Greater Logan; Hunter & Port Stephens; Ipswich Lockyer Valley; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Macarthur Penrith; Mackay; Melbourne Brighton; Melbourne Frankston; Melbourne Glen Waverley; Melbourne North; Moreton Bay Region; Newcastle; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; North Queensland; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth South; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; South West WA; Southern NSW; Southwest Victoria; Sunshine Coast; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Five Dock; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Randwick; Sydney Ryde; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Western NSW