Of those over age 60, at least 1% are reportedly battling Parkinson’s disease (also called Parkinson disease), a neurological disorder that progressively impacts movement and balance. As this condition presents significant challenges to a person’s quality of life, it’s essential to create an environment that fosters independence, safety, and enhanced comfort for those faced with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Home modifications serve as a beacon of hope, offering ways to improve daily functioning and overall life quality.
The World Health Organization emphasizes the role of rehabilitation in managing Parkinson’s disease, and part of this process involves making your living space more accommodating and navigable. Through a few careful changes, you can empower yourself or your loved ones to live a more comfortable and confident life.
This article aims to guide you through practical ways to adapt your home, transforming it into a safe haven for Parkinson’s disease patients based on insights from our expert in the field:
- Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
A fundamental step in creating a Parkinson’s-friendly home environment is understanding the disease itself. While some people may experience mild symptoms, others might deal with more severe manifestations of the disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a type of neurologic movement disorder that can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms become worse over time.
— Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, Chief Scientific Officer at American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
According to studies, there are four major signs of Parkinson’s.
The Four Cardinal Signs of Parkinson’s Disease Include:
Tremors: Often starting in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head, these involuntary shakes usually occur when the muscles are at rest
Muscle stiffness: Muscles can remain contracted for extended periods, leading to difficulties in movement and facial expressions and sometimes causing painful cramps
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement): Physical movements become significantly slower, affecting routine tasks and causing a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with tiny steps
Impaired balance and coordination: A significant symptom that sometimes leads to falls
Beyond these primary symptoms, Parkinson’s can manifest in other ways. Some individuals may experience:
- Depression
- Emotional changes
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Urinary problems
- Constipation
- Skin problems
- Loss of sense of smell
- Nerve pain
- Balance problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances
- Cognitive changes (memory problems, difficulties with planning and organization)
“It is important to know that although these are the typical symptoms, there is a much variability from individual to individual – in terms of which symptoms are experienced as well as their intensity and progression,” said Dr. Gilbert. Given this consideration, having a home environment that’s adapted to address potential issues is crucial in managing Parkinson’s disease, contributing to enhanced safety, comfort, and independence.
Steps to Making the Home a Safe Space
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, a safe and accessible living environment becomes increasingly crucial. “Home modifications can play a big role in your ability to stay safely in your home,” Dr. Gilbert adds. While a complete home renovation may be financially unattainable for some, numerous budget-friendly modifications can significantly enhance safety and independence. Let’s take a look at how you can adapt different areas of your home to accommodate the unique challenges presented by Parkinson’s.
Things You Should Avoid
It’s important to be aware of potential hazards that can be particularly risky for individuals with Parkinson’s. Below are some general things you should avoid.
Open Flames and Space Heaters: Avoid keeping candles near furniture or areas frequently accessed, as this poses a fire risk. Be cautious with space heaters as well, keeping them at a safe distance from any flammable materials.
Loose Rugs and Clutter: Tripping over loose rugs or clutter can be a common hazard. It’s crucial to secure rugs to the floor or remove them completely. Regularly decluttering floors and pathways can also reduce the risk of falls.
Unstable Furniture: Ensure all pieces of furniture — particularly shelving units or stands that may house heavy items — are stable and not at risk of tipping over.
Poor Lighting: Low-light conditions can make navigating through the home more challenging and increase the risk of accidents. Ensure every area of the home is well-lit, especially at night. Consider using automatic night lights in hallways and bathrooms for added safety.
Adapting the Kitchen
Your kitchen should be both functional and safe. Below we’ll outline a few adjustments to consider.
Lowering Countertops
Lowering countertops or installing adjustable height countertops can make preparing meals easier for individuals who may have difficulty reaching high surfaces.
Accessible Storage
Install pull-out shelves and lazy susans in cabinets to make items easier to reach, reducing the risk of falls or strain from overreaching.
Handrails and Grab Bars
These provide additional support when moving around the kitchen, enhancing stability and preventing falls.
Designing an Accessible Bathroom
The bathroom can be a challenging space for people with Parkinson’s due to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and balance problems. Below we’ll explore some ways to adapt the bathroom to make it safer and more accessible.
Non-Slip Flooring
This is essential to prevent slips and falls, a major risk for people with Parkinson’s. Opt for non-slip mats or tiles that will provide good traction.
Walk-in or Roll-in Showers
These showers make it easier for people to get in and out without the risk of tripping. If a walk-in shower is not possible, install grab bars on both sides of the tub to help with balance.
Elevated Toilet Seats
These seats make it easier to sit down and stand up from the toilet, which can be difficult for people with Parkinson’s due to muscle stiffness. “The use of grab bars near the toilet and within the tub/shower to assist with toileting tasks and bathing are very common and helpful modifications,” Dr Gilbert adds.
Handheld Showerheads
These showerheads allow for better control and accessibility when bathing. They can be used to reach all parts of the body and to rinse off the floor if there is a spill.
Making Bedroom Adjustments
A safe and comfortable bedroom is essential for people with Parkinson’s to get a good night’s sleep. Below are some tips for making bedroom adjustments that can help.
Appropriate Bed Height and Firmness
A bed that is too high or too low can make it difficult to get into and out of, increasing the risk of falls. A mattress with adequate firmness can also provide better support and help reduce pain.
Bedside Handrails
Bedside handrails can provide support for getting in and out of bed safely. They can also be used to help people with Parkinson’s who experience freezing of gait (a temporary inability to move) to get out of bed.
Organized Bedroom Essentials
Arranging your most frequently used items in an easily accessible place can help minimize the need to move around and reduce the risk of falls or strain. Items could include a water bottle, a book, or a remote control.
Nightlights
Nightlights can help reduce the risk of falls by providing light in the bedroom at night. This is especially important for people with Parkinson’s who may experience visual disturbances.
Living Room Modifications
The living room is typically the most-used space in a home, so it’s important to make it as safe and accessible as possible for people with Parkinson’s. Below are some tips.
Remove Tripping Hazards
This includes clearing pathways of cords, small furniture items, and loose rugs. Rugs can be secured to the floor with double-sided tape or rug grippers.
Choose Parkinson’s-friendly Furniture
Look for chairs and sofas with sturdy armrests and seats that are at an appropriate height for easy sitting and standing. Avoid furniture with sharp edges or corners.
Arrange Furniture to Create Open Pathways
This will make it easier for people with Parkinson’s to move around the room without having to worry about bumping into furniture or tripping over cords. “Installation of ramps to make access into and out of the home more feasible is also a common and very impactful modification people can make,” adds Dr. Gilbert.
Use Good Lighting
Good lighting is essential for safety in the living room. Install bright lights in the center of the room and around areas where people with Parkinson’s may be moving around frequently.
Consider Window Modifications
If the windows are low, consider raising them to make it easier for people with Parkinson’s to see out. You could also install grab bars on the windowsills to provide support.
By making these relatively simple changes, you can make your home a much safer and more supportive environment for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to facilitate independence and maintain quality of life, promoting a sense of empowerment despite the challenges.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Disease can affect all the senses, making even routine tasks more challenging. To address these barriers, you can create a sensory-sensitive environment that caters to the specific needs of someone with Parkinson’s.
Sight Modifications
Modifications related to sight can be instrumental in providing a safe and accessible environment, as we’ll review below.
Memory Aids and Reminders: Use memory boards or large calendars to assist with daily tasks and events. This can help combat the memory problems often associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Enhanced Lighting: Improve visibility by utilizing bright, glare-free lights, particularly in areas like hallways and stairways, to reduce the risk of falls.
Contrasting Colors: Use contrasting colors for walls, floors, and furniture to help outline the space and make navigation easier.
Smell Modifications
The sense of smell can have a profound impact on mood and well-being. Therefore, employing scent-related strategies could create a comforting atmosphere for individuals with Parkinson’s. Below are some suggestions.
Aromatherapy: Utilize calming aromas such as lavender or chamomile to cultivate a serene atmosphere. These fragrances can help mitigate anxiety and foster relaxation.
Scent-free Cleaning Products: Use scent-free cleaning products to prevent discomfort or sensitivity that strong chemical odors may cause.
Fresh Air: Regularly airing out the home can help keep the environment fresh, reduce stale odors, and provide a sense of calm.
Familiar Scents: Infuse the home with familiar or favorite scents, as they can provide comfort and stimulate positive memories.
With these modifications, you can create an olfactory-friendly home that enhances the well-being of a person with Parkinson’s disease.
Touch and Taste Modifications
Modifications concerning touch and taste can assist in daily living tasks. Below are some tips for touch and taste modifications.
Clearly Labeled Faucets: Label faucets hot and cold to prevent burns and confusion.
Adaptive Clothing: Choose clothing without small buttons or intricate fasteners that can be challenging to manipulate. Clothes with velcro or magnetic closures can be a great alternative.
Writing and Eating Utensils: Use pens with thick grips to make writing easier, and opt for weighted or adaptive utensils to combat tremors during meals.
Sound Modifications
Incorporating helpful sound-related modifications can increase convenience and safety. Below are some suggestions for sound modifications.
Smart Home Technology: Use smart home devices like Amazon’s Echo or Google’s Home for voice-activated controls, helping to manage tasks without needing to navigate physical interfaces.
Mobility Aids: Consider mobility aids with auditory cues to support safe, independent movement. Devices such as auditory cueing canes can be helpful in guiding movement and navigating spaces.
Creating a sensory-sensitive space for those with Parkinson’s requires thought and effort, but by incorporating the modifications we’ve discussed above, you can greatly enhance the comfort, safety, and independence of those living with Parkinson’s.
Organizations That Provide Assistance for People With Parkinson’s
People living with Parkinson’s disease often require a multi-faceted approach to manage their condition. Numerous organizations offer different types of support, from federal aid to housing modifications. Below are some of them.
Federal Assistance Organizations
Social Security Administration (SSA): Providing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSA offers financial assistance for people living with disabilities, including Parkinson’s. Visit their website at www.ssa.gov for more information.
Medicare: Medicare provides health coverage for people 65 or older or with certain disabilities, including Parkinson’s. It provides coverage for medication, physical therapy, and more. Visit www.medicare.gov for more details.
National Assistance Organizations
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA): APDA offers support and education and conducts research to help individuals affected by Parkinson’s live a fuller life. You can learn more about it at www.apdaparkinson.org.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation: With a clear focus on finding a cure for Parkinson’s, this foundation also provides comprehensive educational resources and opportunities for patient involvement. Visit www.michaeljfox.org to learn more.
Parkinson’s Foundation: This organization helps patients enjoy life through expert care and advanced research. Visit www.parkinson.org to learn more.
Housing/Home Modifications Assistance Organizations
Rebuilding Together: Providing critical home repairs at no cost to homeowners, including modifications for those with Parkinson’s. Visit www.rebuildingtogether.org for more details.
Habitat for Humanity: Its Aging in Place program modifies homes to make them safer for older adults, including those with Parkinson’s. Visit www.habitat.org to learn more.
Research and Awareness Organizations
Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson’s: Committed to supporting programs and research that enable people living with Parkinson’s to manage their disease effectively. Visit www.davisphinneyfoundation.org to find out more.
The Parkinson Alliance: This organization, as the umbrella entity for the annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York City, facilitates research and raises awareness. Learn more at www.parkinsonalliance.org.
Caregiver Support Organizations
Caring.com: It offers a support group for caregivers, family, and friends of those with Parkinson’s. Visit www.caring.com for more information.
Parkinson Foundation: It has a dedicated site for caregivers, offering support to navigate the challenges of caring for someone with Parkinson’s. Visit www.parkinson.org for more information.
No one is alone in their journey with Parkinson’s. These organizations can help navigate through challenging times and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
Conclusion
Navigating life with Parkinson’s is a challenging journey, but with the right adaptations, the home can become a safe haven for those affected. Proactive changes and modifications foster an environment of independence and security, empowering individuals to live a fulfilling life. “Always talk to your doctor about any new symptoms you are experiencing, or any challenges you are having with daily tasks and navigating your home,” said Dr. Gilbert. The road may be tough, but with the right resources, support, and modifications, living with Parkinson’s becomes a little less challenging — making Parkinson’s part of life, not the definition of it.
Our Expert
- Dr. Rebecca Gilbert – Dr. Rebecca Gilbert MD, PhD, is a Chief Scientific Officer at the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $252 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against PD and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org or call 800-223-2732.
