Parkinson’s Disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. It’s caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.

The 3 main symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are:

• Involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body
• Slow movement
• Stiff and inflexible muscles

A person with Parkinson’s disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms.

Shepherd Healthcare Group and our team of experienced Lead Nurses support people who have Parkinson’s Disease to maintain their independence at home with the support of a team of specialist carers, support workers and nurses, who have completed specialist training.

Specialist needs

Shepherd Healthcare Group that clients who have Parkinson’s Disease may have other complex health needs and we support people who:

• Have a tracheostomy and/or ventilator (BiPAP/CPAP) and require support to maintain a clear airway.
• Use a suction or cough assist device.
• Need support to receive nutrition and hydration via gastrostomy tube.
• Require assistance with personal care including continence care.
• Need assistance with medication administration.

Parkinson’s Disease Facts

• The number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK is about 145,000. But we know that more than 1 million people in the UK are affected, either by living with Parkinson’s, or as a friend, colleague, or family member of someone who is.
• Parkinson’s develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine.
• Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.
• There are 3 main symptoms – tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness) – but there are many other symptoms too.

(source: Parkinsons UK)