Patient/caregiver was educated on lifestyle modifications for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease as follows:
- Parkinson’s patients can choose to have a chair at the sink while brushing teeth and combing, so that, they can be seated. As the movements are slowed in Parkinson’s patients, it could take longer to complete the activities and so, being seated can help avoid fatigue and exhaustion.
- Individuals with Parkinson’s disease must rely more on using mixer/grinder for cutting vegetables. Tremors in the hands and rigidity can make use of knife unsafe and tiring. Use of ergonomic rocker knives and weighted knives can help reduce tremor, promote safety and improve the ease of using knife. You can also employ electric knives and can openers to help reduce stress on the shaking hands. Purchasing pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and chopped meat can be expensive, but a safer and helpful alternative.
- Poor grips in individuals with Parkinson’s can often make the task of feeding overwhelming. Use of adaptive eating utensils, such as, ergonomic stabilizing spoons & forks, and adaptive utensils with padding grips can promote the grip and make the task easier for the individual.
- Secondary to poor grip, individuals with Parkinson’s can often feel the tasks of using a toothbrush and combing hair daunting. Use of adaptive equipment, such as, ergonomic stabilizing toothbrush and hairbrush with padding grips or ribbed rubber handles can promote the grip and make the task easier for the individual.
