What Parkinson’s Means to Me
Jane Garcia-Deale, LPN
Director of Care Transition
Having been in the medical field for over 23 years I have treated Parkinson’s patients in different stages of the disease. Years ago the lack of information on Parkinson patients made it difficult to understand how to properly treat them and therefore protocols for other diseases were followed. I of course am speaking from a nursing standpoint. In August of 2011 Parkinson’s disease was a diagnosis delivered to my favorite cousin’s 50 year old husband Ralph. I accompanied them for a few second opinions and finally it was confirmed by Dr. Stuart Isaacson in Boca Raton that he indeed had Parkinson’s Disease. Denial was one of the biggest obstacles for both Ralph who now had Parkinson’s and his wife who would now become a full fledged caregiver. The sorrow that came over my family with this diagnosis was difficult to watch. They actually kept it a secret from many family members and friends due to lack of knowledge and feeling of impending doom. He was put on a treatment regimen and while I could see he had progressed a bit he didn’t seem to fully move forward. He stopped going to the gym and lost a bit of his quality of life. I offered comfort from what I learned about the disease through Dr. Isaacson and all I could do was lend a shoulder to cry on.
After attending the interdisciplinary Allied Team Training in Parkinson Disease provided by the National Parkinson Foundation, I learned so so much. I couldn’t wait to hear more, to hear from the patients on the panel and their caregivers. I couldn’t wait to share this information with my family. Last but not least I couldn’t wait to educate my community on the importance of using certified knowledgeable caregivers to aid in the care of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I learned that Parkinson’s was not a death sentence, I learned that many patients suffer with depression due to the diagnosis and if untreated would not thrive. In fact if the depression was untreated the symptoms of Parkinson’s could often exacerbate. This depression can make the patient more of a burden on the caregiver. I learned that through therapy and exercises such as tai chi the patients joints and muscles would continue to keep moving helping to stay more independent with activities of daily living.
Through our certified team at Allegiance Home Health and using that multidisciplinary approach we are well versed on Parkinson’s disease. We also have a great understanding on the treatments and the effects on both the patient and the caregivers. Our nurses manage their medications and side effects, vital signs and signs of depression, our therapist keep patients moving, make them stronger and teach the patient and caregiver levels of proper safety to prevent falls etc. Our aides are taught to have patience, to understand that patients freeze and may need a bit more time to move safely. They assist in feeding at each patients pace due to difficulties swallowing and choking hazards. Our social workers/case managers offer community resources such as support groups for caregivers and anything else they may need.
As a team we help our patients achieve a higher quality of life and give their caregivers peace of mind.
