Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's? Let us help
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be an emotional experience. It can leave you feeling shocked, angry, anxious and maybe confused. Others might feel relief to have a diagnosis that explains symptoms they have been experiencing.
Either way it can be difficult to know if and what you should do once you have been diagnosed so we have put together a practical to do list for you that we hope will help.
- Questions: Sit down and make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor or specialist. This might take some time and you may add to that list as new things come to mind but getting these questions down on paper can really help clear your mind a little and make sure you ask everything you want to ask.
- Finances: There is financial support available for you if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This will take away some of the worry if you are concerned about how you will manage financially.
- Exercise: Exercise and moving your body is really important for anyone living with Parkinson’s. Exercise is important for everyone but if you’re living with Parkinson’s it is really important and can help manage your symptoms. If you are newly diagnosed and have very mild symptoms then try to focus on quite vigorous exercise. If your symptoms are more advanced there’s still things you can do from a chair. Things like chair yoga or lifting some hand weights can be great.
- Insurance Policies: It might not be something you have considered but Parkinson's can effect your insurances. You need to declare it to your car insurance company, travel insurance provider and it is worth checking with any other insurance policies you have.
- Driving: If you drive then you must let the DVLA know of your diagnosis. It doesn’t mean you will have to stop driving but you may need to take a medical driving assessment.
- Support: Support at home is something you might find you want as time moves on. At Nottingham On Call we offer different support packages and equipment that could really help you to continue to live independent in your own home and take away any worries you may have about living alone. We also have our GO! personal alarm that can go anywhere with you and connect you to our call centre in seconds should you need help when out and about.
Speak to a member of our team today if you want to find out more about what services we offer. Call us on 0115 746 9010 or contact us through our website.