Patient/caregiver was educated on lifestyle modifications for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease as follows:
- Parkinson’s patients could present with sudden episodes of difficulty initiating a movement, which is called freezing. This random inability to move can compromise balance and result in falls & accidents. Providing some extra stimulus to the lower extremities can help overcome a freezing episode. Having a companion during walking, shifting of body weight from frozen leg to the other, or listening to a favorite beat during walking and stepping to the beat can help overcome a freezing episode.
- The assistive devices used could be equipped with laser, which acts as a guide for ambulation, by forming a line to step onto. This can help overcome a freezing episode and contribute to fall prevention.
- Parkinson’s patients, secondary to rigidity involving the hands and fingers can have difficulty with making a firm grip. This prevents the individual to form a firm grip on the handles of assistive devices, such as, cane and walker, which can contribute to enhanced fall risk. Assistive devices with large handles, padded or foam handles can offer better grip for such individuals. Make sure the height of the device is appropriately adjusted to the user.
- Parkinson’s patients with grossly impaired speech can seek caregiver assistance for interpretation and communication. Minimizing background distractions in the environment of Parkinson’s patients can be helpful. Seeking speech therapy intervention can help with conserving energy, reducing fatigue, and using nonverbal communication skills. Speech therapist can also help with considering use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and techniques to enhance the ability of communication.
