Research Article
Independence in the Lives of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Receiving Home Care during Their Symptoms’ Progression: The Time When Life Begins to Get Restricted
2019 Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 3-11
Details
2019 Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 3-11
Objective: This study aimed to elucidate independence in the lives of home-dwelling patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) while their symptoms progressed.
Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 10 home-dwelling patients with PD (age >60 years), who were classified into Yahr stages II and III. The interview data were qualitatively analyzed.
Results: We identified the following seven representative categories regarding independence in the lives of patients with PD receiving home care: “preventing total immobility of the body to the greatest extent possible”; “arranging daily activities while experiencing limitations caused by symptom fluctuation”; “doing what they work with the help of their family”; “wishing to continue their usual lives as they are now”; and “stabilizing their mind by masking their anxiety about the progression of PD and bodily pain.” Furthermore, regarding the core of independence, the central category was “protecting their personality and current life from PD while ignoring their fate.”
Discussion: Patients with PD cherish their personality and uphold their existing life; thus, the patients’ independence protects their life from PD.
