When a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, families are faced with the critical task of planning for the future.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and often cognitive abilities.
As the disease advances, daily tasks become more challenging, and professional support becomes essential.
For many families, the question becomes: What type of community is best equipped to care for someone with Parkinson’s? That’s where Parkinson’s assisted living comes in—and where Kensington Senior Living excels.
At Kensington Senior Living, we recognize that Parkinson’s care necessitates a combination of clinical expertise, adaptable environments, and compassionate support.
In partnership with organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation, we’ve designed programs and spaces that offer both safety and dignity for our residents living with Parkinson’s.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Understanding the Progression of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease typically progresses through five stages, beginning with mild symptoms like tremors and advancing to more complex needs involving mobility issues, communication challenges, and potential cognitive decline.
Knowing these stages can help families anticipate care requirements:
- Stage 1-2: Minimal interference with daily life; independence is largely intact
- Stage 3: Increased difficulty with balance and coordination; falls become a concern
- Stage 4-5: Daily activities often require full-time assistance; wheelchair use becomes common
At every stage, individuals benefit from a stable environment where care can adjust as needed—a hallmark of the Kensington Senior Living approach.
What Makes Assisted Living Ideal for Parkinson’s?
Assisted living communities designed to support individuals with Parkinson’s disease offer more than just basic help with daily tasks.
They must include:
- 24/7 nursing oversight for medication management and emergency response
- Mobility assistance to prevent falls and support independence
- Therapeutic programming, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Safe and adaptable environments that reduce risk
- Emotional and social support to combat isolation
At Kensington Senior Living, all of these features are part of our foundational promise: to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Specialized Parkinson’s Support at Kensington
Our approach to Parkinson’s assisted living is comprehensive.
We don’t offer one-size-fits-all care—we develop individualized wellness plans that take into account each resident’s stage of progression, preferences, and goals.
Key features of our Parkinson’s support include:
- Access to on-site rehabilitation services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapists work closely with residents to help them maintain or regain their function.
- Personalized care plans: Regularly updated to reflect changes in condition.
- Nutrition and dining programs: tailored to support swallowing and nutrient intake.
- Exercise classes and movement-based therapies designed specifically for Parkinson’s patients, such as stretching, dance, and resistance work.
These programs are delivered by compassionate care partners and licensed nurses trained in Parkinson’s care, including symptom monitoring and medication timing.
A Safer Physical Environment
Mobility and fall prevention are critical in Parkinson’s care.
At Kensington Senior Living, our communities are designed with safety and accessibility in mind:
- Wide hallways and open floor plans
- Grab bars and zero-threshold showers
- Anti-slip flooring
- Ample lighting to support visual perception
- Quiet spaces to reduce overstimulation and anxiety
These design elements support freedom of movement while reducing the risk of injury.
Emotional and Cognitive Support
While Parkinson’s is primarily a movement disorder, it can also impact mental health and cognitive function. Depression, anxiety, and memory changes are common.
At Kensington Senior Living, we offer:
- Cognitive stimulation programming, such as brain games and memory exercises
- Counseling and emotional support services
- Life enrichment activities that provide meaning and joy
- Spiritual care and support groups for residents and families
Our life enrichment programs are intentionally designed to meet residents where they are and promote quality of life.
Partnering with Parkinson’s Organizations
Kensington Senior Living is proud to collaborate with organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation to ensure our communities follow best practices in care and support.
These partnerships allow us to:
- Access current research and care strategies
- Provide our team with continuing education on Parkinson’s
- Offer workshops, webinars, and support groups for families
We believe that families navigating Parkinson’s deserve not only care but also guidance.
That’s why we invest in education and advocacy alongside hands-on support.
Dining with Dignity
Dining becomes more complex for individuals with Parkinson’s due to challenges like swallowing difficulties, tremors, or slowed movement.
Kensington Senior Living’s dining services are sensitive to these needs and provide:
- Flexible dining times to accommodate energy levels
- Assistance with feeding, if needed, is always offered respectfully
- Modified textures and nutritional supplementation
- Calm, unhurried mealtime environments
Nourishment at Kensington Senior Living is as much about dignity and joy as it is about health and well-being.
Family Support and Communication
Parkinson’s affects entire families, not just individuals.
At our Kensington Senior Living communities, we are committed to being partners in the journey.
Families receive:
- Regular care updates and open communication
- Access to support groups and educational materials
- Involvement in care planning
We recognize the emotional toll this disease can take, and we strive to ensure that every family feels informed, supported, and part of the care team.
When Is It Time to Transition to Assisted Living?
Deciding to move into an assisted living community is a deeply personal decision.
Signs that it might be time include:
- Increased falls or difficulty with mobility
- Missed medications or nutrition concerns
- Isolation or emotional decline
- Strain on caregivers at home
Our Kensington Senior Living communities offer private tours and consultations to help families explore options and assess readiness.
Our team provides thoughtful, no-pressure guidance to determine what’s best.
Find the Right Assisted Living for Your Loved One With Parkinson’s
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s requires more than just attention—it requires expertise, compassion, and a proactive approach.
Kensington Senior Living offers all of that and more. Our specialized Parkinson’s assisted living care is built on a foundation of love, safety, and personalized support, allowing residents to live with dignity and giving families a little more peace of mind.
To learn more or speak with one of our team members, contact Kensington Senior Living or schedule a tour of our communities today.