Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. It causes damage to the nerves the brain uses to communicate to muscles throughout the body. PD also affects the production of dopamine–an important chemical messenger that helps neurons deliver instructions from the brain.

PD is a progressive disorder that develops gradually from small tremors, to muscle stiffness, to paralysis. As the disease progresses, the medical and emotional challenges can be overwhelming for family members and caregivers. Providing support for a loved one with  end-stage Parkinson’s requires nearly round-the-clock care that can drain your energy and your resources. 

This is where hospice can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re caring for a loved one with PD at home or in an assisted living facility, hospice care for end-stage PD provides enhanced support with a focus on comfort and quality of life. Patients receive continued medical support for the unique symptoms and challenges of PD, along with spiritual and emotional care. Caregivers and families also receive support from hospice care teams with emotional, practical, and spiritual assistance throughout their loved one’s hospice journey.  

Unique challenges for patients with end-stage Parkinson’s disease

Hospice care can be the best option for patients with advanced PD, especially since their health can be further compromised by staying in the hospital. These patients are more susceptible to life-threatening complications, like sepsis, due to the progressive decline in overall function. PD can also be complicated by cognitive impairment, swallowing and/or speech problems, and pain issues.

Cognitive Impairment

Patients with PD often develop PD dementia, which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, impaired attention, and difficulties interpreting visual information. This can cause patients to be confused or combative in hospitals. Depression is also common, which can affect behavior and progression of the disease. 

These symptoms can often be reduced by specialized medication and antidepressants, but the patient will need focused attention that hospitals may not be able to provide. Hospice care teams have practitioners who are specially trained to treat PD patients with advanced cognitive impairment. They make sure patients are comfortable and safe every day and provide tips for caregivers to avoid incidents or deal with difficulties that may arise.

Swallowing and Speech Issues

PD affects muscle movement and function, which can greatly impact basic functions like swallowing and speech. This makes it difficult for patients to eat on their own, take medications, and communicate. 

Hospice care teams employ speech therapists who examine PD patients, assess their conditions, and, in coordination with the rest of the care team, develop recommendations for diet and safety considerations. Speech therapists, doctors, and nurses can continually observe the patient and adjust the care plan as the disease progresses.

Pain Treatment

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “chronic pain is twice as common among people with PD, and 80% of PD patients report experiencing pain, with many saying it’s their most troubling non-motor symptom.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation lists four different types of pain associated with PD: 

  • Musculoskeletal 
  • Dystonic 
  • Neuropathic
  • Central 

These pain types (in order of most to least common) affect different parts of the body–from joints to muscles to the skeleton.

Treatment can vary and often involves a combination of approaches. In hospice care, doctors, nurses, and specialists assess patients and develop medicinal regimens to manage pain. Care teams also include physical and occupational therapists to assist with pain relief through exercises and techniques that target sources of pain.

Parkinson’s disease care plan

PD is complex and requires multiple specialists to manage pain, mitigate issues, and improve quality of life. Hospice care teams, like the ones at Heart to Heart, make sure all aspects of PD treatment are covered, and patients are continuously evaluated to personalize their care. 

A typical care team includes a physician, a nurse, home health aides, a social worker, a spiritual care coordinator, a bereavement coordinator, volunteers, and therapists (as needed). This helps ensure that every facet of care for the patient and their families is addressed. 

Hospice care teams can provide care in whatever place the patient calls home. Whether that’s in a residence or a facility, care teams make sure a PD patient’s quality of life–and that of their family members–is as pain free and peaceful as possible.  

Hospice is compassionate, holistic care that meets both the physical and emotional needs of  everyone involved. If you’re ready to learn more about a peaceful end-of-life Parkinson’s experience that provides comfort, support, and dignity, contact Heart to Heart Hospice.