Parkinson's Disease - Suggestions for Hospital Care

Parkinson's Disease and Going to the Hospital

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the control of body movements. A person with Parkinson's, who is going into the hospital may worry about managing their condition throughout their stay. Common concerns include the fact that hospital routines many overlook the condition or that hospital staff may fail to accommodate day the person's individual needs. There are practical things that you can do to prepare for a planned or elective hospital admission.

Prior to admission:

Most hospital staff will not know as much about the disease as you do. Talk to the hospital administrator, admissions coordinator about particular concerns regarding your stay. If you are unsure who this is, ask for the Charge Nurse when you arrive on the Ward.

Suggestions include:

• Give the admissions coordinator a list of your medications including the dosage and times for each dose. Include information on how these medications are taken: for example with food or without food.
• Find out if you can administer your own medications while you are in the hospital. If not discuss alternatives.
• Give the admissions coordinator written information about Parkinson's Disease. Include information on specific symptoms.
• Some people with PD experience rapid motor fluctuations' Or 'on-off-syndrome' - the sudden appearance of symptoms resulting from medication wearing off. If this happened to you, inform the admissions coordinator so that hospital staff can care for you during these times.

Hospital Kit

You may like to create a hospital Kit to give to the staff. The kit, small enough to fit into an envelope, could include:

• Telephone numbers for your family or friends, doctor, neurologist and other specialists.
• Informational on Parkinson's disease that includes a list of your particular symptoms.
• A list of current medications includes dosages and times for each dose.
• A list of medications that should not be taken by a person with Parkinson's.
• A list of activities you need help with: for example, walking, dressing or turning in bed.

During Your Stay - Hospital staff members are busy looking after many patients, so it helps to be tolerant. However, don't be embarrassed to calmly remind staff about your needs.

Suggestions:

• Appreciate that stress may worsen symptoms of Parkinson's and that a hospital stay is a stressful event.
• Ask a close family member or friend to be a support person or advocate on your behalf.
• Tell the staff if you have a special diet.
• Speak to the nurse in charge or medical consultant if you feel that staff are not managing your Parkinson's.
• Ask for an appointment at a specific time; this is better than trying to talk to them 'on the fly'.

Emergency Admissions:

A medical emergency, may require immediate treatment in a hospital emergency department.

Suggestions include:

• Wear a Medic Alert bracelet to inform emergency department staff of your condition.
• Carry a copy of your 'hospital kit' in your handbag or wallet.
• Make sure that your family or friends know of your condition so they can advocate on your behalf if you cannot communicate with hospital staff.