April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and provide valuable resources for those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). For individuals with PD, maintaining a safe and accessible home environment is essential for reducing the risk of falls and injuries. As symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and balance issues progress, adapting the home can provide greater independence and peace of mind. 

At Assisting Hands West Austin, we understand the unique challenges of PD and are committed to helping families create a safe, comfortable living space. In this guide, we look at essential home safety tips for people with Parkinson’s disease.

To learn more about Parkinson’s and the early signs and symptoms, see our free downloadable guide. 

General Home Safety Tips for Parkinson’s

As Parkinson’s progresses, mobility and balance become increasingly challenging, which heightens the risk of falls and injuries. Because of this, it is imperative to make necessary modifications to the home surroundings to ensure your living space is safe and easily accessible.

Throughout your house, consider implementing the following home safety tips for Parkinson’s:

• Reduce clutter and get rid of obstacles on the floor, such as rugs and extension cords, to prevent trips and falls. 
• Install smooth, slip-free flooring.
• Ensure there is good lighting throughout your home to minimize shadows and dark areas, and place nightlights in hallways between bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Make lighting accessible and convenient by installing things like motion sensors and placing light switches next to doors.
• Remove raised thresholds or add threshold ramps to doorways.
• Install grab bars throughout your home to help with balance.
• Arrange furniture to ensure clear, wide walkways, which also helps those using mobility aids. 
• Ensure that furniture is stable and that chairs have armrests and are at an adequate height to make standing easier.
• Replace circular door knobs with lever handle door knobs for easier opening.
• Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Make sure there is an easily accessible phone in common areas.

Bedrooms

While your bedroom should be a quiet and relaxing place, this room also presents unique challenges for those living with PD. Consider these changes to your bedroom:

• Ensure bed height allows your feet to touch the floor when seated on the bed.
• Use sheets with light, slippery fabric (such as satin sheets) to make changing positions easier.
• Avoid heavyweight sheets and pajamas that make it difficult to change positions while in bed.
• Use bed rails or a bed-assist handle to help get in and out of bed safely.
• Place a bedside commode near the bed for night use.
• Make lighting easily accessible and use nightlights to light the way to the bathroom.
• Place a phone on the nightstand for easy nighttime access.

Bathrooms

Since most falls occur in the bathroom, it’s imperative that you make adjustments to ensure you or your loved one can safely navigate the bathroom. Here are some modifications to consider:

• Install grab bars by the toilet, tub, in the shower, and wherever you might need assistance to help maintain balance.
• Use a shower seat or install a bench in the shower.
• Replace the bathtub with a roll-in, barrier-free shower.
• Use a raised toilet seat.
• Install faucets that are single-handle or automatic touch.
• Add non-slip mats to the tub or shower.
• Provide seating for tasks like brushing teeth or shaving.
• Always have a phone or med alert device in case of an emergency.

Kitchen

Those living with PD may find it difficult to safely manage kitchen tasks and navigate this area of the home. Changes in balance can make it difficult to open refrigerator and oven doors. Plus, attempting to reach high shelves or even carrying objects from the kitchen to the table can lead to falls. 

The right kitchen modifications and adaptive kitchen technologies will allow you to continue to use your kitchen safely. To help minimize the risk of injury, consider these tips for kitchen safety:

• Install a single-handle or automatic-touch sink faucet that’s easier to turn off and on.
• Store frequently used kitchen items in easy-to-reach drawers, cabinets, and shelves to avoid having to reach or bend over to find them.
• Install cabinet handles instead of knobs to make it easier to open cabinets.
• Use a long-handled grabber to retrieve items from high shelves.
• Use non-slip rubber mats for countertops to stabilize cutting boards, mixing bowls, and dinnerware.
• Lower countertops to allow easy access for those using walkers or wheelchairs.
• Use adaptive utensils, such as those with easy-to-grip handles or swivel utensils.
• Use a kettle tipper to help prevent burns and spills when pouring hot water.
• Install a stove/oven temperature controller with large buttons to avoid unwanted temperatures.

For a home safety checklist, check out the Parkinson’s Foundation Home Safety page, and explore their website for other useful information on understanding the disease and how to support those with PD. 

How Assisting Hands West Austin Can Help

At Assisting Hands West Austin, our compassionate caregivers are trained to provide personalized support for individuals living with Parkinson’s. From assistance with daily activities to fall prevention strategies, we are here to help ensure a safe and comfortable home environment.

If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact Assisting Hands West Austin today by using the chat box on this page or by calling us directly at 512-999-7379.