Patient/caregiver was educated on lifestyle modifications for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease as follows:
- Using sock aid can help put the sock on and prevent bending down to put it on. Pull the sock onto the sock aid until the toe end, with the heel on the bottom and have the foot in. Using the strings attached to the sock aid, pull the sock aid out, which leaves the sock on your foot.
- Using a dressing stick can help pull the sock off the foot and prevent bending down. Insert the dressing stick between your leg and the sock on the side of your leg, slide the stick slowly to the back of the leg, and push it off of the back of the heel.
- Difficulty initiating movement and rigidity in the extremities of Parkinson’s patients can lead to compromised balance. Shoes with pointed heels can compromise the balance further in these patients and promote risk for falls & accidents. Observing compliance with wearing flats can promote safety & security in Parkinson’s patients.
- Make sure the bed is not too low, as rigidity in Parkinson’s patients can make it difficult to sit on and lift up from. Having a raised bed surface can help promote comfort with use. Make sure the feet are comfortably landing on the floor when seated at bedside. Using a half siderail on the bed can offer good support with easy rolling and getting out of bed.
