During the 15 years I have worked with people living with PD, I have heard many easy changes that people have recommended. One of the best books I have read is "Parkinson's Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier" by Shelly Peterman Schwarz. Here are a few examples showing that small changes can make a big difference.
Home Modification:
Increase lighting by using the highest-wattage light bulbs recommended. Purchase a goose-neck lamp that allows you to adjust the lamp in any direction.Use motion-activated night lights in your bedroom and bath.Install motion-detector light switches in the garage, utility area, or basement. Especially useful in places where you often find your arms full.
Purchase touch-sensitive lamps if turning the switch is difficult.Lever hardware is easier to use. They make a rubber cover for round door knobs that convert them to levers. If your bathroom door needs to accommodate a wheelchair, install offset hinges, allowing the door to swing out and away. This will increase the size by 2 - 3 inches. Install hand railings on both sides of any stairway, inside and outside the house, even if only one or two steps exist.
In the Kitchen:
Place commonly used items on a turntable or lazy Susan in the center of the kitchen table or countertop. The lazy Susan can also be used in a deep cabinet or cupboard to easily access its contents.
In the bathroom:
Install kitchen faucets in the bathroom to make it easier to get your hands under the water.
Use a removable shower head on a flexible, hand-held extension hose. Purchase an adjustable toilet seat to increase the height by 3-7 inches (or replace it with a toilet of comfortable height that measures 17-19 inches from the ground to the seat).
In the bedroom:
The bed should be low enough for you to get in and out easily. A good guideline is 22 inches high but consider your height. If the bed is lower than knee height, getting in and out will be difficult. Use satin sheets or nylon tricot sleepwear to help you turn over in bed. Flannel sheets make it more difficult than standard cotton.
Grooming and Dressing:
If possible, dress during your "on" time. If your balance is unsteady, sit on a sturdy chair with armrests when you dress, shave, apply makeup, or fix your hair. Substitute a wash mitt or soft sponge for the usual washcloth. These can be easier to wring out than terry washcloths. A long-handle sponge or back brush can reach your legs, feet, and back without bending.Soap-on-a-rope can be easier to use. To make your own, cut the leg from an old pair of pantyhose, place soap in the foot area, tie the top thigh area around the shower-head, then stretch the hose. Put shampoo on a sponge, then rub the sponge on your head.Use an electric toothbrush. Newer models may have longer, easily grasped handles, cordless, and dual motion. Use pump-type containers for lotions and liquid soap. Use a countertop hair dryer. A countertop dryer stand has a stable base and movable neck. Elastic shoelaces turn shoes that tie into slip-ons.
Dress in front of a mirror to help you find the sleeves, match-up buttons, and buttonholes. Button garments from the bottom up, so you are less likely to skip a button.
If buttoned cuff openings are too small to pass your fist through, move the buttons to make the opening larger and/or sew the buttons on with elasticized thread.
These are just a few tips that you may find helpful. If you know of others you have incorporated, please share. They sound simple, but they may be just what you need to make everyday tasks a little easier.
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