Patient/caregiver was educated on fall precautions for Parkinson’s patients as follows:
- Individuals with Parkinson’s disease must observe compliance with daily exercise schedule. Routine exercise schedule helps with reducing the rigidity and promoting ease of movement in Parkinson’s patients.
- Rigidity upon sudden initiation of movement can compromise balance and trigger a fall in Parkinson’s patients. Do not rush during ambulation and take your time for your trips. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease must plan ahead for body movements to avert falls and accidents. Plan your restroom trips in advance. Do not wait until the last minute and rush to the restroom, which might risk a fall.
- Maintain the floor dry. Any wetness of the floor can contribute to slipping, loss of balance, and enhance risk for fall injury in patients with Parkinson’s. Avoid having any fluids spill on the floor. Get caregiver assistance immediately to mop the floor dry, in the event of a spill. Considering vinyl flooring or cork flooring for bathroom can offer safer non-slip options. Using a nonskid rubber mat in the shower can help avoid falls & accidents.
- Make sure the carpet in the house is evenly spread and secured. Uneven carpet with bumpy contour can impair balance and contribute to increased fall risk. Avoid having any throw rugs in the house, especially the bedroom and bathroom. The rigidity in the lower extremities of Parkinson’s patients can lead to risk of legs getting caught up in the throw rug, thus precipitating a fall.
