Empowering Parkinson’s Patients: Always Best Care’s Shreveport Initiative

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and in Shreveport, it’s a time for connection, education, and support. Whether you’re looking for Parkinson’s events, in-home care solutions, or ways to raise Parkinson’s awareness, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Always Best Care is proud to support Parkinson’s patients and their families with compassionate, non-medical care designed to make daily life easier.

Parkinson’s Awareness Events in Shreveport

Raising Parkinson’s awareness in Shreveport is all about bringing the community together. This month, local organizations are hosting events to spread awareness, provide resources, and fund research for better treatments. 

Whether it’s an educational seminar, a fundraising walk, or an online support group, these events offer a great way to connect with others and learn more about Parkinson’s.

Here are a couple of local events around the area: 

2nd Annual Parkinson’s Symposium

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Academic Medical Center will host a two-day Parkinson’s Symposium on October 18-19, 2025. While not during April, this event is a significant part of Shreveport’s efforts to raise awareness and provide education about Parkinson’s disease. The symposium will cover:

• Pathophysiology and etiology of Parkinson’s disease.
• Differential diagnosis and medications.
• Appropriate tests and measures.
• Effective interventions for patients aging with Parkinson’s disease.

Monthly Support Group

Willis-Knighton Health System hosts a monthly Parkinson’s Support Group in Shreveport. This group provides:

• Regular meetings for people with Parkinson’s disease.
• A welcoming environment for friends and family members.
• Opportunities for sharing experiences and gaining support.

Always Best Care’s Commitment to Parkinson’s Patients in Shreveport

For those living with Parkinson’s, having the right support can make everyday life more manageable. Always Best Care provides personalized, non-medical in-home care that helps seniors stay comfortable and independent. From mobility assistance to respite care, the goal is to ensure seniors and their families have the help they need—when they need it.

Non-Medical In-Home Care Services

Living with Parkinson’s comes with unique challenges, and having reliable support at home can make all the difference. Always Best Care offers services to help seniors maintain their routines while staying safe and comfortable. These services include:

• Help with household tasks like laundry, light cleaning, and meal preparation.
• Assistance with personal care, including dressing and hygiene.
• Friendly companionship and social interaction.
• Transportation to appointments and local events.

Caregivers provide encouragement and practical support, making daily activities easier to manage.

Personalized Care Plans

Every person’s journey with Parkinson’s is different, so care plans should reflect their specific needs. Always Best Care works closely with families to create customized plans that fit the daily routines, preferences, and challenges of each client. Whether someone needs occasional help or full-time assistance, care is tailored to make life at home more comfortable.

Mobility Assistance And Fall Prevention

Staying active is essential for overall well-being, but Parkinson’s can make movement more difficult over time. Muscle stiffness, tremors, and balance issues increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries. A safe home environment and the right support can help seniors stay mobile and independent while reducing the risk of accidents. Always Best Care provides caregivers who assist with movement, fall prevention, and everyday tasks to help seniors feel more confident and secure in their own homes.

Here’s how mobility assistance and fall prevention can make a difference:

• Safe Movement and Walking Support: Moving around the house, going up and down stairs, or even getting in and out of a chair can become challenging with Parkinson’s. Caregivers provide steady support and guidance, helping seniors walk safely and maintain balance. They can also encourage light stretching or guided movement exercises to promote flexibility and coordination.
  
• Assistance with Transfers: Transferring from one position to another—such as getting out of bed, standing up from a seated position, or stepping into the shower—can be tricky without assistance. Caregivers offer a steady hand to help with these movements, reducing strain and lowering the risk of falls.
  
• Fall Prevention Strategies: Keeping the home free of obstacles is key to preventing accidents. Caregivers help identify and remove potential hazards like loose rugs, cluttered walkways, or electrical cords. They can also suggest simple modifications such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting in dim areas, and arranging furniture to allow for easier navigation.
  
• Encouraging the Use of Mobility Aids: Walkers, canes, and other mobility aids can greatly improve stability, but they need to be used correctly. Caregivers ensure that these devices are adjusted properly and assist seniors in getting comfortable with them to promote safer movement.
  
• Support with Daily Activities: Everyday routines like dressing, bathing, and preparing meals can become challenging due to stiffness or tremors. Caregivers provide hands-on assistance while also allowing seniors to maintain as much independence as possible. Whether it’s helping button a shirt, steadying a hand while pouring a drink, or assisting with grooming, these small actions make daily life easier and safer.
  
• Encouraging Gentle Activity: Movement helps improve circulation, maintain strength, and boost confidence. Caregivers encourage seniors to engage in safe, low-impact activities like seated exercises, stretching, or even short walks outside when possible. Regular movement helps prevent stiffness and supports better overall mobility.

Medication Reminders

Taking medications on time is essential for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. While caregivers don’t administer medications, they provide reminders to ensure seniors stay on track. They can also assist with organizing pill schedules and tracking refills so nothing gets missed. Having a little extra support helps reduce stress and keeps things running smoothly.

Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s is a labor of love, but it can also be overwhelming. Family caregivers need time to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves. Respite care offers:

• Short-term breaks: Whether it’s for a few hours or a full day, caregivers step in so family members can take a breather.
• Peace of mind: Knowing a loved one is in good hands allows caregivers to relax without worry.
• Time for errands and appointments: Respite care makes it easier to handle personal responsibilities while ensuring loved ones receive the care they need.

Get Started With In-Home Parkinson’s Support in Shreveport!

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is about more than just education—it’s about making a real impact in people’s lives. Always Best Care is here to provide compassionate, in-home support for seniors in Shreveport. Whether it’s helping with daily tasks, offering companionship, or ensuring a safe home environment, caregivers are ready to lend a helping hand.

Contact Always Best Care of Shreveport at (318) 424-5300 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.