The multidisciplinary home healthcare team is discussing a female client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The home health care nurse reports the client is getting worst and her husband is no longer able to care for her in the home. Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Assigning a home health care aide for occasional visits
• B. Moving the client to a facility temporarily
• C. Increasing formal nursing supervision for safety
• D. Assigning a home health care aide to provide care daily

Answer: (D)

When a patient with Parkinson’s disease is worsening and the caregiver can no longer manage safely at home, the priority is to ensure consistent, in-home support that protects safety and maintains daily functioning. A daily home health aide provides hands-on assistance with activities of daily living, mobility, getting in and out of bed or chairs, grooming, and meal preparation, while also helping with medication reminders or administration as prescribed. This level of support helps prevent falls, reduces caregiver burnout, and allows ongoing monitoring and timely communication with the nurse about any changes in condition.

Choosing only occasional visits would leave gaps in supervision and safety. Moving the patient to a facility is a more drastic step and is not the immediate or first choice when home-based support can be expanded. Increasing nursing supervision is important, but without daily hands-on help, safety and ADL needs may still be insufficiently addressed. Providing a daily aide directly tackles the practical needs that come with advancing PD and caregiver strain, making it the most appropriate first action.