Parkinson's Awareness Week: Support and Strength, Close to Home
At Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, we often talk about the strength of community. Whether it’s a neighbour checking in, a friendly hello in the park, or families showing up for one another—this area thrives on personal acts of care. Parkinson’s Awareness Week reminds us that those acts matter more than ever.
The Reality of Parkinson’s in Our Community
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the UK, with around 153,000 people living with it—and those are just the ones we know about. Here in Wimbledon and Kingston, we’re seeing more clients and families touched by the condition, and more questions being asked: “What does this mean for my mum?” “How do I help Dad stay independent?” “Will I know what to look out for?”
So, let’s talk about it and support you to spot the signs.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative condition that affects the nervous system. It’s caused by a lack of dopamine; a brain chemical that helps coordinate movement. When the brain can’t produce enough, everyday things—walking, buttoning a shirt, even smiling—become more difficult.
But the symptoms don’t stop at the physical. Loss of smell, disturbed sleep, low mood, and fatigue are also common, often showing up years before a diagnosis is made.
Real Support Starts with Understanding
Many of our families worry about the future. They want to do right by their loved one but feel overwhelmed. That’s understandable. There’s no cure yet, and symptoms tend to get worse over time. But that doesn’t mean life stops. In fact, with the right support, people living with Parkinson’s can continue doing the things they love—walking in Wimbledon Common, pottering in the garden, enjoying a family roast on Sundays.
It all starts with understanding. Understanding the condition, the small changes that can make a big difference, and how support can be both practical and deeply personal.
The Role of Home Care in Parkinson’s
At Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, we tailor our care to each person’s experience of Parkinson’s. That means:
- Creating safe environments at home (goodbye trip hazards, hello grab rails)
- Planning days around medication schedules, when energy is at its highest
- Supporting with personal care, walking, dressing, and mealtimes
- Encouraging gentle exercise to maintain balance and strength
- Offering companionship that goes beyond a checklist—someone to chat with, laugh with, and lean on
We’re also here for family caregivers, because this journey isn’t one to take alone. We provide respite, education, and a listening ear when things feel heavy.
How You Can Get Involved This Week
- Learn: Read about the signs, symptoms, and latest research
- Share: Tell someone what you’ve learned—awareness spreads through conversation
- Support: Donate to Parkinson’s UK or a local organisation helping families
- Act: Reach out to someone you know who might need a hand. Even a text saying, “I’m here if you need anything” can go a long way.
Parkinson’s Awareness Week isn’t just about the facts of Parkinsons—it’s about the faces behind them. Here in Wimbledon and Kingston, we’re proud to stand with those living with Parkinson’s and the families who walk beside them every day.
