How to Set Up a Home for a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease
Living with Parkinson’s disease is truly a challenge. You need to follow many rules to maintain quality of life. The main thing you can and should do is consciously respond to emerging difficulties. Over time, you will certainly accept and incorporate all the changes in your life, and we will explain how to better adapt to Parkinson’s disease and properly organize your living space.
What problems do people with Parkinson’s disease most often face? The most common issues are unsteadiness when walking (stumbling, episodes of “freezing”) and instability when maintaining posture. This often leads to falls and serious injuries. To protect yourself from these problems and create a safer environment, we recommend adapting your home space.
Checklist for Organizing Space in Your Home:
Ensure good visibility and lighting
Create a high level of illumination throughout the house, adjust blinds and curtains to minimize glare.
There should be sufficient lighting in the apartment even at night. If the patient wakes up, small light sources (nightlights) should be on for safe movement to the bathroom or kitchen.
It’s convenient to mark the beginning and end of the stairs with paint
Make the space familiar
Furniture should not be moved frequently—this way, the patient will be familiar with the home environment and can find support in case of an emergency.
Clear space and remove obstacles to movement
Create the most spacious area for movement in the corridors.
There should be no loose objects on the floor that could cause tripping. Remove all household items that could lead to a fall.
- pets (cats or dogs lying on the floor)
- scattered things
- Mats
- wires
- Interior thresholds
Ensure that the floors are stable, free of gaps and cracks, and have a smooth, non-slip surface.
If there are unsecured rugs in the apartment, they should be smoothed out (and the ends/corners attached to the floor, for example, with double-sided tape), or removed entirely to prevent them from becoming obstacles and causing falls.
Remove all electrical wires from common walking areas to avoid tripping and falling while moving.
Ensure that all pathways and steps in the apartment/house are in good condition
Eliminate the causes of slipping
If the floors are not covered with anything, it’s important to consider making them less slippery – for example, walking around the house not in slippers, but in socks with special non-slip coating.
Replace slip-on sandals with boat-style slippers (with backs) to prevent them from slipping off the foot
Create stillness of what can be leaned on
Furniture must be sturdy enough to support a person’s weight. It can help in case of loss of balance
Ensure that all furniture is securely fastened
Furniture should not rotate.
Chairs should be stable, without a swivel base, have armrests, and a sufficient seat height to facilitate standing up.
If necessary, part of the space is recommended to be furnished with walkers or wheelchairs.
Handrails in the corridor or bathroom (toilet), as well as on both sides of the stairs, can be very useful.
Reduce the risk in case of a fall
A heavy carpet with thick pile, securely attached to the floor, can serve as a cushioning pad if a fall does occur.
Eliminate sharp corners on furniture, use special covers.
Avoid furniture with glass tabletops – they can be dangerous.
Create an option to call for help
If a house/apartment has two floors, there should be a phone on each floor (preferably cordless).
Carry a mobile phone or an emergency button with you.
How to Arrange Rooms for Parkinson’s Disease?
Bedroom for Parkinson’s Patients
- Set the bed height so that your feet touch the floor when sitting on the bed.
- Install side handles on the bed or a special support to facilitate turning and getting out of bed.
- Ensure comfortable and quick access to lighting sources to avoid walking in the dark.
- Use a bright light source (nightlight, flashlight) to have good visibility on the way to the bathroom.
- Make it a habit to carry a flashlight.
- Near the bed in case of a power outage.
- Place clothing hangers at a height that is convenient to use, ensure the wardrobe is well-lit and accessible, and that clothes can be retrieved without additional effort.
- Keep frequently used devices (watch, phone) on the bedside table for easy access without getting out of bed at night.
- Avoid using sheets and nightwear made from slippery materials.
What should a bedroom be like for someone with Parkinson’s disease?
Bathroom for Parkinson’s Disease
The risk of being in the bathroom and toilet is high. Most falls occur due to difficulties when getting up from the toilet, entering, and exiting the bath. You may experience difficulties due to poor lighting in the bathroom, and it may be hard for you to stand on a wet surface.
- Install grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower. Do not use towel racks, faucets, or soap dishes for support when standing up.
- For safety, add a sturdy bench with a backrest to the bath or shower.
- Provide a seating area for brushing teeth and shaving.
- Do not walk when the bathroom floors are wet. Do not store anything unnecessary in the bathroom.
- The bathroom can also be made safer with a non-slip mat on the floor (or on the bathtub floor itself), and a seat/bench across the bathtub.
- A shower cabin can be safer than a bathtub.
Cuisine for Parkinson’s Patients
Cooking often represents a labor-intensive process. You may experience difficulties operating many kitchen appliances. Due to balance disorders, opening the refrigerator door, oven, and kitchen shelves can be challenging.
- Install convenient and durable handles for cabinets.
- Store necessary items in drawers accessible for quick use
- Use a single-handle faucet for the sink.
Take care of yourself, and we will help you with that!
In addition to setting up your home, it may be helpful to work on stability and balance.