Management of levodopa for residents with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

SummaryThis article discusses the medication management of levodopa in older people who have Parkinson's and live in a nursing home setting. It provides a detailed description of the diagnostic criteria, motor and non-motor clinical features of Parkinson's disease. Against this clinical picture the benefits and challenges of levodopa medication management are considered. A person-centered approach is championed as it supports collaborative clinical assessment and decision making between nurses and residents. To fully appreciate why a person-centered approach is important to safe and effective medication practice the pharmacological basis of levodopa management is explained. An empowerment approach to medication management is advocated that facilitates self-medication by residents. To this end the importance of continuous professional development for nursing home staff is discussed.