Create a Safe Place at Home for Seniors with Parkinson’s

Approximately one million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to statistics provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Although the condition can affect middle-aged adults, older adults over the age of 65 are more likely to develop the disease. The risk of developing PD only increases with advancing age. It is estimated that one percent of the older adult population has some form of PD.

PD is a progressive nervous system disorder that significantly affects movement. Many older adults with the condition rely heavily upon their families to provide care for them daily. Providing care for a loved one with the disease can be very challenging, especially as the disease progresses. However, the burden of caregiving can become more manageable when the home environment is modified to support the needs of the senior with PD. If you are caring for an aging loved one with PD, or have been recently diagnosed with PD, here are a few ways to create a safe place at home.

Secure the Floors

The first place to start in creating a safe place at home is to secure the floors. This means removing all throw rugs and decluttering common walking paths. Check the carpet and floorboards and secure loose carpet or floorboards that are popping up. Ensure that hallways and common pathways are wide and open enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. Remove any cords from pathways as well to help prevent a fall.

Remove Hazardous Furniture

Next, remove hazardous furniture, such as swivel chairs or pieces that cannot be secured to the wall or floor. Again, ensure that there is plenty of space between furniture placement for your loved one to safely maneuver with an assistive device if needed. Purchase chairs that are stable, have a sturdy armrest and have a higher seat to help your aging loved one sit and stand with ease. Consider purchasing a lift chair recliner to help save your back from heavy lifting.

Purchase Adaptive Equipment

Adaptive equipment can help save a caregiver’s back while creating a safe place in the home for the person with PD. Canes and walkers can offer more stability for people with PD. As the disease progresses, wheelchairs or electric scooters can provide more mobile independence to a person with PD. Avoid spills that can cause a fall by using travel cups or cups with lids and straws. Encourage your loved one with PD to wear nonslip shoes to prevent a fall. Consult your doctor or occupational therapist for specific recommendations based on your current condition. Your insurance may even cover all or a portion of the cost of some adaptive equipment if your doctor prescribes it for use in your home.

Install Grab Bars

Creating a safe place at home includes modifying the bathroom so that it too is a safe place. Install grab bars in and around the shower or bathtub and toilet. If you don’t have a built-in shower bench, purchase a standalone one that can remain in the shower at all times. Keep the bench or shower chair clear of soaps, shampoos, and other bath products. Remove slippery bathmats and replace them with a non-skid bathmat. If space allows, create a seating area to complete basic hygiene tasks, such as brushing teeth, shaving, or putting on makeup.

Examine the Stairs

Finally, take a closer look at any stairs that are used daily. Ensure that they are in good condition and that they have sturdy handrails on both sides, if possible. Adjust lighting so that the stairs are well-lit. Don’t forget about the steps leading into the house, from a garage, front, or back door. These stairs should also be level, well-lit, and have handrails at least on one side. It is a good idea to mark the top and bottom steps with bright paint or colored tape to highlight the beginning and end of the steps.

One final way to create a safe place at home for seniors with PD is to partner with Visiting Angels Punta Gorda. We offer a comprehensive approach to senior home care customized to meet each client’s individual needs and preferences. We work with you to create a schedule so that your loved ones can maintain their preferred routine. Our caregivers can help keep your loved one with PD safe at home while you step away to run errands or take care of other responsibilities. Our caregivers are professional and compassionate, giving you and your loved one peace of mind that they are in good hands. Please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Charlotte County or 239-226-1620 Lee County.