Written by craig braddick

What are The Final Stages of Parkinsons Disease?

What are The Final Stages of Parkinsons Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder, and its final stages can vary from person to person. The disease typically advances over many years, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely. In the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, individuals may experience significant challenges in motor function, cognition, and daily activities. Here are some common characteristics associated with the final stages of Parkinson’s disease:

  1. Severe Motor Impairment:
    • Rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and tremors can become extremely pronounced. Individuals may experience difficulty initiating and executing movements, leading to severe immobility.
  2. Postural Instability:
    • Balance and postural stability are significantly compromised, increasing the risk of falls. Individuals may require assistance or mobility aids for walking and may spend much of their time in a wheelchair or bed.
  3. Difficulty Swallowing and Eating:
    • As Parkinson’s disease progresses, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) may arise. This can lead to an increased risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airways), malnutrition, and weight loss.
  4. Speech and Communication Challenges:
    • Speech may become very soft, slurred, or difficult to understand. Communication challenges can impact social interactions and daily interactions with caregivers.
  5. Cognitive Decline:
    • In the advanced stages, cognitive impairment may become more pronounced. Some individuals may experience dementia, with difficulties in memory, reasoning, and decision-making.
  6. Psychiatric Symptoms:
    • Psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and hallucinations may occur. Changes in mood and behavior can be challenging for both the individual with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.
  7. Autonomic Dysfunction:
    • Autonomic dysfunction may manifest as problems with blood pressure regulation, urinary dysfunction, and gastrointestinal issues.
  8. Medication Challenges:
    • Managing medications can become complex, and there may be challenges in achieving optimal symptom control. Adjustments to medication regimens may be needed to address changing symptoms and needs.
  9. Increased Dependency:
    • Individuals with advanced Parkinson’s disease often become increasingly dependent on caregivers for activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and toileting.
  10. Caregiver Support:
    • The role of caregivers becomes crucial in providing physical and emotional support. Home care or hospice services may be considered to provide specialized care and support for both the individual and their caregivers.

It’s important to note that the progression of Parkinson’s disease is highly individual, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, advancements in medical care and palliative support can help improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease in the later stages.

As the disease progresses, open communication with healthcare professionals, including neurologists, palliative care specialists, and support from a multidisciplinary care team, is essential to address the evolving needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

  • Parkinson’s Disease Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • American Parkinson’s Disease Association: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/
  • National Parkinson Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Retirement Communities In Arizona

With independent living communities all across the valley, SLS Communities offers the very best facilities and services for senior citizens. Independent communities are currently located in Sedona, Mesa, Peoria and Surprise, Arizona. Living options include studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, all inside relaxing, resort-style communities. Enjoy weekly trips to shopping, restaurants and entertainment centers. A wide range of activities will be sure to entice all residents, as well!

More Articles About Retirement

Find Quality Assisted Living Care With SLS Communities

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by craig braddick

Dealing With Parkinson’s Disease

7 Stages Of Lewy Body Dementia

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It is caused by the loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells produce a chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement. When these cells die, the level of dopamine in the brain decreases, which leads to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person and can gradually worsen over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Tremors: Involuntary shaking, usually in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face
  • Rigidity: Stiffness of the muscles
  • Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement
  • Postural instability: Difficulty with balance and coordination
  • Freezing: Episodes of immobility
  • Speech problems: Slow, slurred speech
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Cognitive decline

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. The most common treatment is medication, which can help improve the symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Other treatments include surgery, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but there are many things that can be done to make life easier. Here are some tips:

  • Stay active. Exercise can help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for overall health and well-being.
  • Manage stress. Stress can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
  • Stay connected with others. Social support can help you cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Join a support group. Support groups can provide you with information, support, and understanding from others who are living with Parkinson’s disease.

Coping with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but there are many things that can be done to make life easier. Here are some tips:

  • Stay active. Exercise can help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. It can also help reduce stress and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for overall health and well-being. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  • Manage stress. Stress can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
  • Stay connected with others. Social support can help you cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Join a support group or connect with others online.
  • Take care of your mental health. Parkinson’s disease can sometimes lead to depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these problems.
  • Be patient with yourself. It takes time to adjust to living with Parkinson’s disease. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have setbacks. Just keep moving forward and don’t give up.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

  • Parkinson’s Disease Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • American Parkinson’s Disease Association: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/
  • National Parkinson Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Retirement Communities In Arizona

With independent living communities all across the valley, SLS Communities offers the very best facilities and services for senior citizens. Independent communities are currently located in Sedona, Mesa, Peoria and Surprise, Arizona. Living options include studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, all inside relaxing, resort-style communities. Enjoy weekly trips to shopping, restaurants and entertainment centers. A wide range of activities will be sure to entice all residents, as well!

More Articles About Retirement

Find Quality Assisted Living Care With SLS Communities

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by craig braddick

Retiring At Fifty

How To Retire At 50

If you are currently pondering the question of “how to retire at 50,” this post should help! The good news is retiring at 50 is definitely possible if you stay focused, disciplined and financially responsible.

Retirement Planning Steps

If you plan to retire by the age of 50, follow these four steps:

  1. Decide On Early Retirement
  2. Make Lifestyle Adjustments
  3. Save Money Now
  4. Make Wise Investments

Decide On Early Retirement

This may be the biggest key towards early retirement: actually deciding on early retirement. If you wish to retire at 50, you need to settle on that number years in advance to give yourself the best chance to make this a reality. Obviously, you will have a much better chance to successfully retire at 50 when you decide on this when you are 25 years old, compared to 45. This is common sense, but it is a very tough goal to set while you are figuring out a career, climbing the corporate ladder, and raising a family all at the same time. Life certainly gets in the way at times, but do not let anything discourage you from retiring when you wish.

It is suggested that you attempt to accelerate your income to maximize your savings at an earlier age. Pick up a part-time job or start a side business. Or, sometimes just asking for more hours/extra work at your current job can result in more income. Always resist the urge to live at or above your means.

Make Lifestyle Adjustments

The good news is making lifestyle adjustments in this instance does not mean anything drastic needs to be sacrificed. If your plan is to retire earlier than most other workers, then normal savings methods do not apply to you. This means you must re-evaluate all your spending habits, current savings and investment options.

Rid yourself of any unnecessary expenses, which generally consist of going out to eat frequently, vacationing or attending concerts. The next step is to pay off any existing car loans, student loans or debts. The amount of money you save today will be used to enjoy retirement tomorrow.

Save Money Now

This is easier said than done, right? Well, maybe it isn’t so difficult to start saving as soon as possible. Use the four percent rule as a guideline here. This is a rule that says your savings should last at least 30 years, as long as you withdraw 4% of your savings during the very first year of your retirement.

For instance, if you plan to live off a total of $25,000 for the next 30 years of your life, then it is suggested that you have at least $750,000 in savings. Determine out how much you can survive off during your retirement to give yourself the best possible estimate at an exact figure.

Make Wise Investments

The experts commonly say the younger you are, the more room you have for risks, financially speaking. Most believe that even if the market crashes while you are in your 20s, you can still regain enough wealth to live happily and healthy throughout life.

If you want to retire early, though, perhaps making some wise investments rather than gambling on risky stocks, etc is the way to go. Take a conservative approach when it comes to the market. Always make sure to diversify and factor in Social Security benefits when estimating a retirement budget.

Need a retirement calculator? Click right here.

How To Save For Retirement Without A 401K

How Do I Save For Retirement Without A 401k?

Here are three helpful tips for saving for retirement without a 401k plan:

Solo 401k

A solo 401k, also known as a self-employed 401k, is perfect for those not expecting to make a large yearly income. With a solo 401k, you are eligible to contribute twice, once as an employee and once as the employer. Participants are allowed to contribute their entire yearly earnings, as long as it does not surpass $19,500. When contributing as the employer, though, the amount will differ. You are allowed to contribute up to 25% of your earnings as the employer. Spouses of solo 401k contributors are eligible for this plan, as well.

Saving Tax Refunds

Everyone’s gut instinct is to spend, spend, spend when that tax return finally comes back! But, if you can just hold off the urge to spend this money, it could pay off in the long run. Simply saving any tax refunds is the simplest way to invest in your retirement. IRS Form 8888 currently allows taxpayers to deposit refunds directly into two or more savings accounts.

Open An IRA

Opening an IRA tends to be the most popular option for individuals without a 401k. There are a couple different IRA options available. A Roth IRA and a traditional IRA can both be great investment options. The only requirement for anyone opening an IRA is that they must be earning an income. However, if you are unemployed but married to someone earning an income, you are eligible for this plan. Self-employed workers commonly choose to open an IRA.

More Articles About Senior Living

Find Quality Assisted Living Care With SLS Communities

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by webtechs

The 5 Best Retirement Party Games

Best Retirement Party Games

Spice up your retirement party with any of these 5 party games!

Talent Contest

A talent contest is always best when done as a surprise to all in attendance. Making everyone participate in the contest and finding out their hidden talents can really serve as the highlight of the night. Give everyone a few minutes to decide on their presentation, then draw a random order for participation. A great way to run the competition is to either have the retiree show off one of his/her talents or serve as the judge. Make sure the winner receives a prize at the end.

The Bucket List

Put a box in the front, center or back of the room. Have each guest write down something they would put on their bucket list. Now, you can either pull these cards and read them aloud at the end of the party or you can turn it into a guessing game. Have a contest where the crowd must accurately select which person wrote the certain bucket list item.

Guess The Beer/Wine

This game will surely be a crowd-pleaser! Guessing blindfolded which type of beer or wine you are drinking can be a great game because many people can participate. Depending on the tastes of the crowd, you can either play this game with beer or wine. Start by pouring out three ounces of each beer or glass of wine. It’s recommended to use either four different beer types or four bottles of wine. Make the selections as diverse as possible for a fun guessing game. A stout, pilsner, cider or brown ale could be used. For wine, try to use one red, a white, blush and sparkling choice. Of course, you could always play this game with liquor instead, but be careful.

Wine Flavors

Two Truths And A Lie

In a retirement party setting, there are a few ways this game can be played. You can either have guests come up with two true stories about the retiree, including one line, or strictly have the retiree tell two truths and one lie. All guests will participate in picking out which of the three anecdotes is fake. For this game, the crowd should receive three index cards to write whether or not they believe the story is true or a lie.

Never Have I Ever

Use a traditional bingo board setup for this fun activity. Yet, instead of numbering put some crazy items in the bingo spaces. For example, the boxes could include travel stories or something more revealing such as any embarrassing arrests. The goal of this game is to get someone to cross off five of the items the fastest. Crossing off a row of 5 in any direction should be enough for the win.

Retirement Communities In Arizona

With independent living communities all across the valley, SLS Communities offers the very best facilities and services for senior citizens. Independent communities are currently located in Sedona, Mesa, Peoria and Surprise, Arizona. Living options include studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, all inside relaxing, resort-style communities. Enjoy weekly trips to shopping, restaurants and entertainment centers. A wide range of activities will be sure to entice all residents, as well!

More Articles About Retirement

Find Quality Assisted Living Care With SLS Communities

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

Written by webtechs

How To Retire At 50

How To Retire At 50

If you are currently pondering the question of “how to retire at 50,” this post should help! The good news is retiring at 50 is definitely possible if you stay focused, disciplined and financially responsible.

Retirement Planning Steps

If you plan to retire by the age of 50, follow these four steps:

  1. Decide On Early Retirement
  2. Make Lifestyle Adjustments
  3. Save Money Now
  4. Make Wise Investments

Decide On Early Retirement

This may be the biggest key towards early retirement: actually deciding on early retirement. If you wish to retire at 50, you need to settle on that number years in advance to give yourself the best chance to make this a reality. Obviously, you will have a much better chance to successfully retire at 50 when you decide on this when you are 25 years old, compared to 45. This is common sense, but it is a very tough goal to set while you are figuring out a career, climbing the corporate ladder, and raising a family all at the same time. Life certainly gets in the way at times, but do not let anything discourage you from retiring when you wish.

It is suggested that you attempt to accelerate your income to maximize your savings at an earlier age. Pick up a part-time job or start a side business. Or, sometimes just asking for more hours/extra work at your current job can result in more income. Always resist the urge to live at or above your means.

Make Lifestyle Adjustments

The good news is making lifestyle adjustments in this instance does not mean anything drastic needs to be sacrificed. If your plan is to retire earlier than most other workers, then normal savings methods do not apply to you. This means you must re-evaluate all your spending habits, current savings and investment options.

Rid yourself of any unnecessary expenses, which generally consist of going out to eat frequently, vacationing or attending concerts. The next step is to pay off any existing car loans, student loans or debts. The amount of money you save today will be used to enjoy retirement tomorrow.

Save Money Now

This is easier said than done, right? Well, maybe it isn’t so difficult to start saving as soon as possible. Use the four percent rule as a guideline here. This is a rule that says your savings should last at least 30 years, as long as you withdraw 4% of your savings during the very first year of your retirement.

For instance, if you plan to live off a total of $25,000 for the next 30 years of your life, then it is suggested that you have at least $750,000 in savings. Determine out how much you can survive off during your retirement to give yourself the best possible estimate at an exact figure.

Make Wise Investments

The experts commonly say the younger you are, the more room you have for risks, financially speaking. Most believe that even if the market crashes while you are in your 20s, you can still regain enough wealth to live happily and healthy throughout life.

If you want to retire early, though, perhaps making some wise investments rather than gambling on risky stocks, etc is the way to go. Take a conservative approach when it comes to the market. Always make sure to diversify and factor in Social Security benefits when estimating a retirement budget.

Need a retirement calculator? Click right here.

How To Save For Retirement Without A 401K

How Do I Save For Retirement Without A 401k?

Here are three helpful tips for saving for retirement without a 401k plan:

Solo 401k

A solo 401k, also known as a self-employed 401k, is perfect for those not expecting to make a large yearly income. With a solo 401k, you are eligible to contribute twice, once as an employee and once as the employer. Participants are allowed to contribute their entire yearly earnings, as long as it does not surpass $19,500. When contributing as the employer, though, the amount will differ. You are allowed to contribute up to 25% of your earnings as the employer. Spouses of solo 401k contributors are eligible for this plan, as well.

Saving Tax Refunds

Everyone’s gut instinct is to spend, spend, spend when that tax return finally comes back! But, if you can just hold off the urge to spend this money, it could pay off in the long run. Simply saving any tax refunds is the simplest way to invest in your retirement. IRS Form 8888 currently allows taxpayers to deposit refunds directly into two or more savings accounts.

Open An IRA

Opening an IRA tends to be the most popular option for individuals without a 401k. There are a couple different IRA options available. A Roth IRA and a traditional IRA can both be great investment options. The only requirement for anyone opening an IRA is that they must be earning an income. However, if you are unemployed but married to someone earning an income, you are eligible for this plan. Self-employed workers commonly choose to open an IRA.

More Articles About Senior Living

Find Quality Assisted Living Care With SLS Communities

If you’re looking for the very best assisted living in Phoenix; SLS Communities can help!  We have 5 locations in the Phoenix Valley that seniors and their families can choose from. With great amenities such as meticulously manicured landscaping, swimming pools, theater rooms, on-site salons, and much more! SLS Communities delivers today’s seniors the very best assisted living care services in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Check out our locations below

For more information about assisted living and senior living services please call 480-348-0300.