Living with Parkinson’s at home presents many challenges, both for the person diagnosed and for their family, supporters or unpaid carers. Some of the main ways the condition can affect day-to-day life include:

• Reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, needing help to move safely around the home, get up, sit down, walk, use the stairs.

• Difficulty with daily activities: dressing, washing, eating, cooking, toileting. As symptoms progress, the need for assistance increases.

• Medication management: many people with Parkinson’s have complex drug regimens and timing is critical. Missed or late doses may lead to symptom fluctuations.

• Non-motor symptoms: sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression or anxiety, cognitive changes and difficulties in speech or swallowing can all place additional strain on both the person and their loved ones.

• Emotional and relational impact: The diagnosis can bring feelings of loss (of former abilities, roles, independence), uncertainty about the future. Family members may shift into caring roles which affect their own life, health and work. For example, a study found the majority of caregivers (70 %) were the spouse, mean age about 62 years.

• Home life changes: The living environment may need adaptation (equipment, grab-rails, telecare, assistive technology) to maintain safety and independence. Research shows that for people living with Parkinson’s and receiving formal support, home-care or social-care plays a key part.
  For families it means often having to plan, coordinate, adapt: making the home safe, managing visits by care professionals, liaising with health services, possibly changing work or social commitments. It also often means balancing promoting independence with providing support.
  By helping families understand the condition and how it evolves, they can proactively prepare (for example, early discussions about what home-care might look like, understanding equipment needs, etc) rather than always reacting at crisis points.