Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life - 9780789008107

Learn to handle the problems that Parkinson's patients face

Through Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life, you will discover common problem areas seen in patients with Parkinson's disease. This book explores problems that interfere with functional independence of patients and gives examples of occupational therapy intervention and treatment techniques. Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life boldly deals with many seldom talked about real-life issues facing people with Parkinson's disease, including continued sexual intimacy and urinary incontinence. Although these issues may not be curable, this book provides you with effective treatments through data and case studies.

Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life offers caregivers a step-by-step plan to get organized. It includes a plan to put together a workbook of all relevant information, as well as tips on how to safeguard every room for a Parkinson's disease patient. This book helps remind you that the families of the patient must not be forgotten and that they can get the help they need through support groups, community resources, and from professional staffing such as nurses and aides. Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life will assist you in helping your patients by:

• using music therapy to help calm patients
• realizing the legal impact of Parkinson's disease by discussing living wills, health care proxies, durable power of attorney, and revocable and irrevocable trusts with your clients
• discovering that cognitive changes, dementia, and depression can complicate the treatment of the disease and be more disabling than the loss of motor function
• exploring the nursing home as a viable options for clients as well as their families

Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life also brings to light the important subject of knowing the patients insurance policies and working out contingency plans, like living wills, before they are needed. This book gives you much-needed information on accessing benefits for Parkinson's patients, including medicare, social security, Veteran's benefits, and much more. Parkinson's Disease and Quality of Life is full of methods and ideas to improve the lives of the Parkinson's patient as well as their families.