Parkinson's care at home
Help with medication routines, moving safely and the practical side of a changing day, from a carer you choose and speak to first.
What is Parkinson's?
Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. The main symptoms are involuntary shaking (tremor), slow movement, and stiff, inflexible muscles. Symptoms and how quickly they change are different for everyone (NHS).
How needs change, and which care fits
Early: a tremor and a slower pace
Mostly independent, with more appointments, tiredness and some help with tasks that need a steady hand.
Often suits: hourly visits or companionship
Middle: balance and timing matter
Movement may vary through the day, and falls become a worry. Getting up, washing and dressing take longer.
Often suits: daily hourly visits around the hardest times of day
Later: help most of the time
Needs help with most personal care and moving about, and may need someone there day and night.
Often suits: live-in care, or two carers for two-person transfers or busy nights
Medication on time
Parkinson's medication often needs to be taken at set times, and missed or late doses can make movement harder. Carers can prompt medication at the times your relative's specialist team sets, as agreed in your care arrangement. Keep an up-to-date list of medication and times for the carer.
What a carer can do
- Prompt medication at the right times, as agreed
- Help with getting up, washing, dressing and toileting
- Help moving around the home safely, and reduce the risk of falls
- Prepare meals that are easy to eat, and allow time to eat them
- Go to appointments together, and help keep track of what the team advises
- Encourage the exercises the physiotherapist recommends
- Keep up hobbies, outings and company
Who else is involved
The GP, a specialist, a Parkinson's nurse, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy may all be involved. They lead the clinical care; the carer supports your relative day to day in between.
Good days and bad days
Some people with Parkinson's have "on" and "off" periods, when how well they can move changes quickly, often linked to medication (NHS). A carer who knows your relative's pattern can plan the day around it: getting dressed when movement is easiest, and resting when it isn't.
Reducing falls at home
- Clear walkways and good lighting, especially at night
- Grab rails and a shower seat, which your council can assess as part of a needs assessment
- Time to turn and stand up slowly, without rushing
- Supportive shoes, and walking aids within reach
Eating and swallowing
Some people with Parkinson's find eating slower or swallowing harder. A carer can prepare food the way the speech and language therapist advises, and allow time to eat without rushing.
Money and support
Your council can carry out a free needs assessment, and Attendance Allowance can help with the cost of care for people over State Pension age. NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund care when needs are mainly health needs. The NHS and Parkinson's UK have information and support.
Tell us about them
The diagnosis, how they are now, routines, and what matters to them.
See matched profiles
Profiles say what experience each carer has, so you can choose with care.
Speak first
Talk to carers by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Care starts
You and your carer agree the routine, and change it as needs change.
How carers are checked
Before LCH Care introduces a carer, we check their identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications. Carers also hold their own public liability insurance. You then speak to the carer by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Other conditions
- Dementia care
- Stroke care
- Palliative and end of life care
- Multiple sclerosis care
- Motor neurone disease care
- Cancer care
- Brain injury care
- Spinal cord injury care
- Cerebral palsy care
- Muscular dystrophy care
- Diabetes care
- Heart disease care
- COPD care
- Arthritis and osteoporosis care
- Sight loss care
- Mental health support
- Learning disability support
- All conditions
Questions
Can a carer help with Parkinson's medication?
Carers can prompt medication at the times set by your relative's specialist team, as agreed in your care arrangement.
Do carers have Parkinson's experience?
Some carers have experience of Parkinson's, and each profile says what experience they have.
Hourly or live-in care for Parkinson's?
Hourly visits often suit the earlier stages, timed around the hardest parts of the day. Live-in care suits people who need help through the day or are at risk of falls when alone.
What if two people are needed for moving?
Hourly care with two carers costs £60 an hour, and live-in care with two carers costs £1,800 a week.
Can someone with Parkinson's stay at home?
Often, yes. Care can grow from a few visits a week to live-in care as needs change.
Can family carers get a break?
Yes. Respite care gives a family carer time off while a carer keeps your relative's routine going at home.