Neenah, Wis. — April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and as many as 1 million people in the United States and 4 million worldwide are living with this movement disorder, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. The symptoms of this chronic and progressive disease — tremors, rigidity, slowness, postural instability, and impaired balance and coordination — can make day-to-day living difficult. Fortunately, there are several tools on the market to help those with Parkinson’s lead more mobile, independent lives.
Personal care
Even simple tasks like taking care of personal hygiene can be difficult with Parkinson’s because of stiffness. Back scrubbers, lotion applicators and dressing sticks can help when reaching is difficult, and there are shampoos and cleansers made for easy, one-step washing. Improve bathroom safety with grab bars, raised toilet seats and bath benches. In addition to including rubber safety mats to make a bathroom safer, use them on trays and tables to create nonslip surfaces anywhere.
Getting around
Modifications made in the home can offer solutions to the daily struggles of Parkinson’s patients. Consider daily living aids such as a cane with a wrist strap to keep assistance nearby and a reaching kit to decrease discomfort caused by movement. Enlarge handles and switches throughout the home by adding grips made from tubing or other cylindrical objects. Bed assists and bedside rails make getting in and out of bed easier, and security poles installed in the home can help prevent falls due to impaired balance. Parkinson’s patients also may benefit from a Rollator — a walker with a basket to move items more easily while keeping hands free. Even something as simple as a food bumper for easier scooping can make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Incontinence supplies
Parkinson’s disease can cause the bladder to become overactive and develop contractions, leading to poor storage and interference with flow, according to the National Association For Continence. If incontinence products are needed, look for styles that are easy to put on and take off. Poise pads and Depend Guards for Men attach to regular underwear, and Prevail Adjustable Underwear and Attends Briefs have tape tabs for easy removal. Products to help manage incontinence are available from many other brands as well, such as Tena, Surecare and Tranquility. To look up products by symptom, size, gender, style or brand, see The CareGiver Partnership’
