Problems with eating are, unfortunately, very common in seniors with Parkinson’s disease, especially in the more advanced stages associated with the disease. Since individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s are at a greater risk of choking, each person involved in the older adult’s care should learn how to properly perform the Heimlich maneuver in case of emergency.
An individual who is choking could cough or gasp, but she or he will be unable to speak or breathe and requires immediate assistance. To correctly perform the Heimlich maneuver on an individual displaying signs of choking, follow these directions:
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around his/her waist.
- Make a fist and put the thumb of this fist against the person’s upper abdomen, below the ribcage and over the belly button.
- Clasp your fist with your other hand and press into the person’s upper abdomen with a quick, upward thrust. Make certain to not squeeze the person’s ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around his/her waist.
- Repeat as needed until the piece of food is expelled.
Note: it is critical that any person on whom the Heimlich maneuver has been performed receive health care right after the incident.
At Compassionate Care Home Health Services, we recommend that each individual providing care for a senior loved one with Parkinson’s disease be fully trained in CPR as well as the Heimlich maneuver. We’re also ready and able to offer additional resources and hands-on care for those with Parkinson’s disease, provided by our fully trained and experienced caregivers. Call us at 877.308.1212 or reach out to us on our simple online contact form to learn more about our senior care in Cadillac as well as several other Michigan locations.