Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. Seniors with Parkinson's face unique challenges in maintaining their safety and well-being. Families should address these specific safety considerations tailored to their loved one's needs. Explore various aspects of safety for older adults living with Parkinson's disease.
Home Modifications
Because Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder, it can make it hard for seniors to get around their own home safely. But this is where seniors typically spend most of their time. So, adapting the living environment is essential to minimize the risk of accidents and enhance overall safety. Consider the following home modifications:
- Remove tripping hazards: Seniors with Parkinson's often experience balance issues, making a clear path essential. Keep walkways clear of clutter, loose rugs, and other potential tripping hazards.
- Install proper lighting: Poor lighting can lead to accidental missteps and falls. Ensure adequate lighting throughout the house to minimize the risk of falls. Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to provide guidance during the night.
- Install handrails and grab bars: Most falls occur in the bathroom, making this a great place to focus your attention. Install handrails near toilets and showers to provide additional support and stability. Make sure there are stable handrails by stairs throughout the home. Close the Gap in Senior Care may provide assistance with grab bars for eligible seniors.
- Add non-slip flooring: Some types of flooring can become quite slick, increasing the risk of falls. Choose non-slip flooring options, such as rubber mats or carpets with a non-slip backing, to reduce the risk of slipping.
If you need additional assistance identifying safety hazards in the home, reach out to your local Caring Senior Service. We provide free in-home safety assessments that can help your loved one with Parkinson's disease remain safe.
RELATED CONTENT: Understanding & Managing Parkinson's Disease
Medication Management
Seniors with Parkinson's disease often rely on medication to help manage their symptoms. However, because Parkinson's causes cognitive impairment as the disease progresses, seniors may not take their medications as prescribed — accidentally skipping doses or taking too much medicine.
Proper medication management is crucial to ensure effectiveness and avoid complications. Here's how you can help keep a loved one safe:
- Adhere to a medication schedule: Establish a routine for taking medications to ensure consistency. Use pill organizers or reminders to help seniors stay on track with their prescribed schedule.
- Regularly review medication: Schedule regular check-ups with health care professionals to review medications and adjust dosages as needed. Changes in symptoms may require modifications to the treatment plan.
- Watch for side effects: Be vigilant about potential side effects of medications. Report any unusual symptoms or reactions to health care providers promptly.
If you aren't at home to keep an eye on your loved one's medication, our professional caregivers can help!
Mobility & Fall Prevention
Seniors with Parkinson's disease often experience difficulties with mobility and balance. Implement strategies to prevent falls and enhance overall mobility:
- Physical therapy: Work with a physical therapist to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. These exercises can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Also consider working with an occupational therapist, who focuses on helping individuals perform daily activities.
- Assistive devices: Consider mobility aids to help your loved one remain independent. These include canes, walkers, or motorized scooters.
- Exercise programs: Engage in regular, Parkinson's-specific physical activities that focus on flexibility, strength, and balance. Tai Chi and yoga are excellent options for improving overall well-being.
RELATED CONTENT: Assistive Devices for Seniors with Parkinson's
Emergency Preparedness
Effective communication and emergency preparedness are crucial for seniors with Parkinson's disease:
- Emergency contacts: Ensure that emergency contact information is readily accessible. Provide a list of contacts to family members, caregivers, and neighbors who can assist in case of emergencies. At Caring, we store emergency contacts in our cloud-based family portal, so they are always at your fingertips.
- Medical alert systems: Consider a medical alert system that your loved one can use to call for help in case of a fall or other emergencies. These devices can provide a sense of security and prompt assistance when needed.
Communication
Another symptom of Parkinson's disease is difficulty with communication because the disease can target the muscles and nerves affecting speech. This can make it difficult for seniors to express their needs, which could lead to miscommunication. Or, you might not be able to hear their cries for help.
- Focus: Parkinson's disease can make it hard for someone to focus on multiple things at once. To ensure the most effective communication, make eye contact with your loved one. Eliminate distractions in the environment so both of you can focus.
- Keep it simple: Avoid long sentences and confusing jargon. Keep your communication simple and concise. Stick to yes-no questions, and avoid the overuse of pronouns while you are talking.
- Use available tools: Parkinson's disease can cause a person's voice to be soft or hoarse. Wearable microphones can help make sure you can hear your loved one when they need you.
Navigating Parkinson's disease requires a multifaceted approach to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors. By addressing home modifications, medication management, mobility, emergency preparedness, and communication, families and caregivers can create a safer and more supportive environment. Working with healthcare professionals and adopting these safety considerations can contribute to an improved quality of life for seniors with Parkinson's disease.
