Parkinson's and Healthcare Team

What kind of help a patient with Parkinson's needs?
Parkinson's affects many different systems of human body and many different aspects of human life. Being affected with Parkinson's, you will face challenges in controlling the symptoms of Parkinson's and improving your quality of life. In order to best achieve this goal you will need to keep communication lines open with each member of your health care team.

What can I do to help my health care team?
You can help your health care team provide better care to you. Ask questions to your health care providers about aspects of Parkinson's you are unsure of and write down their responses, so you can refer to them later if needed. Also, maintain a list of your medications and make sure each health care provider is aware of them. Make certain that any new developments are passed onto all the team members, so they're kept up to date.

Which professionals I need to see?
The following professionals are involved in providing care to the patients with Parkinson's.

Family Physician
Your family physician will recognize the signs of Parkinson's first and refer you to a neurologist.

Neurologist
The neurologist, a specialist in Parkinson's will do the final assessment of your Parkinson's diagnosis and will make a treatment plan for your specific needs. As the disease progresses, this plan may need to be altered to provide the best possible care to you. You should see your neurologist two to three times a year for follow up visits. If available you should see a neurologist who sub-specializes in Parkinson's disease and Movement disorders.

Physiotherapist
The physiotherapist will advise you about different exercises, help in balance training and teach strategies to prevent falls in order to improve your mobility and posture.

Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist will advise you about the strategies to help you carry out your day-to-day tasks to make sure you lead a productive and satisfying life. The methods used to achieve these goals may be different person to person. They may also advise you to alter your environment in order to make it safe and easier for you to carry out daily tasks.

Speech Language Pathologist
Parkinson's may cause problems with speech and swallowing. The speech pathologist will suggest you exercises and strategies to help these problems.

Pharmacist
The pharmacist will counsel you at the pharmacy about your medications and by visiting the same pharmacy consistently you will ensure an accurate record of the medication you have used. Also, the pharmacist will make sure that any other medications you take don't interfere with your treatment plan.

Dietician
A healthy diet and weight is important for good health. Certain foods such as high protein diets can interfere with your drug absorption and the dietician will advise you how to plan your meals and avoid this problem.

Social Worker
Social worker will provide guidance towards any financial or family concerns you might have, give you advice to deal with the changes in your lifestyle and living situation. Social worker may also aid you in finding a financial assistance program.

Psychiatrist
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and hallucinations can occur in Parkinson's. The Psychiatrist will advise you manage these problems.

Urologist
Urinary bladder and sexual dysfunction may occur in Parkinson's and urologist who is specialist in this area will assess and treat you for these problems.

What other professionals may be of assistance to me?
You should consult a specialist in financial planning, make sure your medical coverage and insurance cover long term disability and medications. An accountant may help you to make the most of your tax deductions. Also write a will, and assign somebody the power of attorney as at some point you might not be able to communicate your desires concerning your finances, medical and personal care due to your condition. Therefore, it will be useful to plan for that as a precaution.

This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.

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