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As individuals age, it becomes increasingly important to monitor their health and well-being, especially at home, nursing homes and **[assisted living homes](https://www.epocheldercare.com/assisted-living)** are the places where older adults receive support and care. Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder is one condition that requires early detection for effective management. 

By recognizing the early signs of **[Parkinson's disease](https://www.epocheldercare.com/parkinson-disease-care)**, nurses and caregivers can take proactive measures to ensure timely intervention and enhance the quality of life for elders. It is crucial to be aware of the five common early signs of Parkinson's disease and address them promptly. By doing so, caregivers can provide necessary support, facilitate access to medical professionals, and implement appropriate interventions to manage the symptoms effectively. Timely recognition and intervention significantly contribute to improving the well-being and overall quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Let’s take a look at few common early signs of Parkinson’s: 

## **Tremors and Shaking:**
One of the hallmark signs of Parkinson's disease is tremors or shaking, typically starting in one hand or limb. Caregivers should pay attention if they notice an elder experiencing tremors, especially at rest or when performing specific tasks. Documenting the frequency, duration, and body parts affected by tremors can provide valuable information for healthcare professionals. 

## **Bradykinesia (Slowed Movements):**
Parkinson's often causes a slowing down of movements, known as bradykinesia. Nurses and care attendants should observe if their residents exhibit difficulty initiating movements, such as walking or getting up from a seated position. Stiffness and reduced facial expression may also accompany slowed movements. Monitoring residents' mobility and noting any changes can help in early detection. 

## **Muscle Stiffness and Rigidity:**
Parkinson's disease can lead to increased muscle tone, resulting in stiffness and rigidity. Caregivers should be attentive to residents who experience muscle stiffness, particularly in the limbs, neck, or trunk. It may be observed as resistance when attempting to move the affected body parts. Regular range of motion exercises and flexibility assessments can aid in identifying and managing muscle stiffness.

## **Postural Instability and Balance Issues:**
Another early sign of Parkinson's is postural instability and balance problems. Caregivers should observe if residents frequently lose their balance, experience unexplained falls, or have difficulty maintaining an upright posture. Monitoring changes in gait patterns and providing appropriate mobility aids can help prevent accidents and maintain residents' safety.

## **Changes in Speech and Writing:**
Parkinson's disease can affect the vocal cords and muscles involved in speech production. Caregivers should be alert to any noticeable changes in residents' speech patterns, such as softer or slurred speech, hesitations, or a monotone voice. Additionally, individuals with Parkinson's may experience difficulty in writing, with smaller and cramped handwriting. Documenting these changes can aid in early detection.

At **[Epoch](https://www.epocheldercare.com/)** we believe and practice early identification of Parkinson's disease for timely intervention and improved quality of life for residents. By recognizing the early signs, such as tremors, slowed movements, muscle stiffness, balance issues, and changes in speech and writing, caregivers can work closely with healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and support. Regular monitoring, documentation, and communication among caregivers, residents, and medical staff play a vital role in identifying these signs and facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can significantly contribute to the well-being of **[individuals living with Parkinson's disease](https://www.epocheldercare.com/parkinson-disease-care)**.

5 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease

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There’s the music of sarod playing in the background while I write this, helps me write my memoirs!

When I was a child, I used to write diaries. What’s enticing to me at that point in time was the smell of new vintage-looking pages, and a unique feeling to ink it down. It all started then. Who knew the passion for writing would grow so strongly on me!

Hi, I’m Sneha, Business Assistant & Content Writer at Epoch. Yes, I own these words and wear them with pride. The journey to earn this was pretty savage, and I’ll like you to be a part of this! Hence, sharing a page from my memoir.

It was the dawn of the year 2020 when I promised myself to come out of the University with a Mass Communication and Journalism degree in one hand and a placement in other. Things started turning upside down when the covid wave came along and washed away all the aspirations I had of starting my career in a corporate world. Later that year, after graduating, I started freelancing.

Little did I know that the universe had something else up in its sleeves.  On 1st Feb, I started my journey at Epoch, and it’s already a year now! I’ll need pinches from myself to believe so. When I stepped out of my comfort zone, came to a new city, I met amazing people, especially women, who inspired me in the most unusual ways. It is my sheer luck and fortune that I landed in Epoch right after college. The journey of amazement and learning didn’t stop for me, I would say.

How often does it happen that a CEO of an organization holds your hand, mentors you, and walks you through your journey? Well, happened to me and to all those who started anew! Here, at Epoch, I saw myself under the guidance of domain experts. From each one of them, I learnt something, both applicable in personal and professional lives. My team pushed me one notch beyond my threshold, surprisingly that brought different colours to my work. To date, I am told to be the owner of not only my projects, but also my decisions, successes, and failures. I am learning.

Epoch has played a vast role in shaping me into Sneha 2.0. If you know me and don’t believe, let’s go out for a cup of coffee! A confident and radiant Sneha, you’ll see.

Epoch homes abode elderly those who need dementia care and assisted daily living support. When I started, I was briefed about dementia but the understanding of the daily life of a senior 75+, came to me when I was in their presence. Recently through one of the Epoch webinars, I heard a doctor/geriatrician say, and I quote, “there’s a person still behind the dementia patient”, and this made me realize how naïve are we to not notice this in our elderly loved ones!

Amidst the pandemic, there were fewer interactions with our elderly residents, regarding their own safety. But whenever I got the chance, covered in PPE kit, I would jump to know each one of them. With some I sang era old songs, with some I recited poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Dinkar, Nirala, with some I learnt the concept of perspective, with some I learnt fashion, some taught me to live life with a bang, and that’s what I am doing!

Epoch in a way turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I would like to stop the roller coaster of my emotions here by simply being grateful. One day, when I close my eyes, I would love the memories with Epoch to roll in the cassette of my life. 

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To Epoch, a cassette of my life

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I want to share my unique professional journey with you. Personally, I have been someone who is always up for trying new things.

In August 2014, after completing my training as a General Duty Assistant, I got placed at Epoch Elder Care as a care attendant.  Even though I had prior care training, being a care attendant in an assisted living home was new for me and there was much to learn, especially about dementia care. At Epoch, everyone is encouraged to ask questions whenever they do not understand, your colleagues and seniors will answer them patiently and help you understand your issues. I realised how tough life can be with dementia and at Epoch I was able to increase the quality of life of elders with dementia and this was very satisfactory for me. 

Given my inclination to try new roles, back in 2018, I was chosen for the role of Admin Assistant which was a huge change for me professionally as I was moving from  care to an administrative role. With much support of senior colleagues, I was able to manage this role with confidence. Here I learnt new skills like vendor management, maintenance planning, and working with multiple departments. Being an ex-care attendant, I was able to understand the importance of this role where I had to ensure the upkeep of Epoch homes and how crucial it was for our care attendants to take care of our residents. Iss dauran maine apni life ko bahut hadd tak personally, professionally and financially grow bhi kiya hai (During this time, I was able to grow personally, professionally and financially). 

Then in January 2020, I saw an opportunity to move to a new role within Epoch as a Human Resource (HR) assistant and I confidently took the leap. Given my prior experience as a care attendant, I was quickly able to connect to prospective candidates for Care Attendant role and understand who could be a good fit at Epoch, and I learnt the aspect of people management. Ab dedication and guidance of my manager and colleagues ke sath grow kar raha hun or hope aage bhi yun hi grow karta rahunga. (With the dedication and guidance of my manager and colleagues, I am learning & growing  ,and will continue doing so!)

Thanks to Epoch, I have been able to understand this industry well and grow myself professionally in many different perspectives by gaining many new skills.

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Trying new roles and gaining new skills at Epoch

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I want to share my journey so far with Epoch Elder Care. I started my journey as a care attendant with Epoch’s Monet house at Pune location on 15th May 2016 and sab kuch naya tha mere liye (everything was new to me). It was a great year well spent at Monet house; and bohot kuch sikhne ko mila (great learnings came along). Under the guidance of our Facility Managers and Facility Nurses and other care attendants, I was properly trained to look after our residents. Epoch work culture bohot welcoming and unique tha mere liye (Epoch culture was welcoming and unique for me) - where the team was great & they treated me like a family member. Not only this, the relationship and bond I developed with residents was an amazing feeling. The concept of dementia and its management was something jo mujhe dhire dhire samajh aya. (The concept of dementia and its management was something I learned over a period of time).

After the completion of one year, the management decided to transfer me to Epoch’s other home (Vermeer House) in Gurugram. I was happy with the decision for two reasons. Firstly, my learning was about to expand and secondly, my hometown was nearby. After working as a care attendant for a year and a half at the Vermeer House, the management decided to promote me to the role of Head Care Attendant. Finally, my dedication & honesty paid off. My responsibilities increased and I had to oversee all errands related to our residents, other care team members, and the house overall, which I enjoyed throughout.

Then again on 1st May 2019, I was offered a role change based on my skills and eagerness to work. This time the management decided to offer me the role of Admin Assistant, which I accepted confidently. It was challenging at first, but with the constant guidance of the then corporate team, I managed with quite ease.

Epoch has not only helped me professionally but also personally. It is here that I met Sarita (Care Attendant at Vermeer House), married her and started another chapter of my life. She is always there to support & motivate me. 

During the outbreak of COVID-19, around Feb 2020, I was handed over the role & responsibilities of an Office Assistant in the new Vermeer house at Gurgaon. Covid ke first wave me hume bohot kuch naya experience karne ko and samajhne ko mila. Ye time humare liye bohot difficult tha but hum sabne milkar Epoch and ek doosre ko sambhala. (New learnings came along whilst managing and experiencing the first wave of coronavirus. It was a difficult time, but we managed to pull through). I was presented with the COVID warrior award. Epoch ke saath ab itne memories jud gaye hain ki yahan har koi apna sa lagta hai. 

Epoch me hamesha kuch na kuch naya sikhne ko and samajhne ko milta hi hai and mere liye bohot unique experience banta raha hai.

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My journey of multiple roles at Epoch

By recognizing the early signs of Parkinson's Disease, nurses and caregivers can take proactive measures to ensure timely intervention and enhance the quality of life for elders. It is crucial to be aware of the five common early signs of Parkinson's Disease and address them promptly.

5 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease

Prasita Nair , Head of Clinical Operations

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