April is recognized across the country as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and for those responsible for the care of a loved one with the condition, it may serve as a good time to evaluate how they provide care. This is especially true when it comes to looking at their living environment, as there are many small changes Parkinson’s care providers can make to help their loved one live more independently.
For starters, caregivers should pay attention to areas of the home that they may not always recognize as potential hazards. Floor rugs are particularly important to inspect because Parkinson’s patients often experience issues with mobility, so the rugs should be tacked down to help reduce the risk of tripping. Furniture should also be arranged in such a way that makes it easier for someone with Parkinson’s to get around the house, especially if they require the use of a walker or wheelchair.
Aside from safety, there are other concerns for Parkinson’s care providers. For instance, patients will want to retain as much independence as possible, so it’s important to implement changes around the house that make activities of daily living easier. Making kitchen drawers easier to open is a good first step, as is adding grab bars to the bathroom and looking for adaptive handles for objects like toothbrushes and other essentials.
