Why Continuing Care Communities Are the Best Fit For People With Parkinson’s Disease

Following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease for yourself or a loved one, you’re likely filled with questions. Beyond medical matters, near the top of the list may be living arrangements and how long you can safely live alone.

Living Alone with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, and symptoms can affect people differently, including the order and intensity of symptoms. However, as a person progresses through the five stages of Parkinson’s disease, it is increasingly unlikely they can safely live alone. By stage three (mid-stage), the disease may affect balance and movement to the extent that activities of daily living like dressing and eating are more difficult, and falls are increasingly likely.

 An inherent challenge of Parkinson’s disease is the unpredictability of symptoms and how rapidly stages progress. In other words, a person with Parkinson’s disease could rapidly shift from relative independence to partial or complete reliance on others. For that reason, it’s a good idea to begin exploring living options early and create a plan for the future.

An Option to Overcome the Uncertainty

Because there’s so much unknown about how Parkinson’s disease will progress, it can be very hard to plan ahead. That’s precisely why a continuing care community could be an ideal solution. Life Plan Communities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities provide a continuum of care so your healthcare needs can be met within the community as your symptoms progress over time.

 For someone recently diagnosed in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, this can be an especially attractive option because you have the ability to enter the community’s independent living neighborhood and make yourself at home. You can take advantage of amenities and wellness programs tailored specifically to your needs, so you can manage your symptoms to the best of your ability. You have the opportunity to get to know your way around, meet friends, and settle into a community where your safety and well-being are top priorities.

 In addition to the peace of mind that comes with knowing there’s a plan in place for your future, you also gain the freedom that comes with a simplified, maintenance-free lifestyle. Housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and other everyday responsibilities become someone else’s worry. An added bonus: All of those services and more are reflected in your monthly fee, so even paying your monthly bills becomes easier.

 Then, as your symptoms progress, you can gradually access additional levels of support while remaining in familiar and comfortable surroundings. A customized care plan means you have caring team members watching out for you and planning what’s next, so you and your family members aren’t left to scramble.

 Ultimately, this makes your disease progression more fluid—and more emotionally manageable—than the abrupt transitions that would result if you were shuffling from one facility to another as your needs exceeded their capabilities.

We’re Here for Your Journey

A diagnosis like Parkinson’s disease is undoubtedly life changing, but at Springpoint, we believe choosing to live in a safe and nurturing environment gives you the greatest opportunity to manage the disease over time and achieve the best quality of life possible. Contact us to learn more about our Life Plan Communities across New Jersey and Delaware and how one of these communities could become your partner in this journey.