Patient/caregiver was educated on lifestyle modifications for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease as follows:
- Rigidity and tremors in hands and fingers can incapacitate the Parkinson’s patient with the use of regular toiletries, such as, toothbrush, hairbrush, and razors. Using electrical items can help reduce effort and save energy for the individual.
- The dressing stick can be used to put on and remove the pants off without bending much, as bending down during these tasks could impair balance and compromise safety of the individual with Parkinson’s. While putting the pant on, be comfortably seated and put the dressing stick in through one leg opening to hold it wide open and put one leg in first. The dressing stick could then be inserted into the second leg opening to hold it wide open and put the second leg in. Then, you can pull the pants a little up the knee, stand straight up and pull the pants into place. While remove the pants off, loosen the pant at the waist while in standing position and drop the pant down below the knee. Then, be comfortably seated and put the dressing stick through one leg opening to hold it wide open and pull one leg out first. The dressing stick could then be inserted into the second leg opening to hold it wide open and pull the second leg out too.
- Wear clothing with pockets to carry essential items, such as, telephone, personal alert systems. They come in handy to call for help during emergencies and falls. Also, carrying the essential items in the pockets will leave the hands to hold the assistive device and other supportive structures firmly to avoid falls.
