Parkinson’s symptoms frequently impact daily life and cause mobility challenges, which make ageing in place more difficult. For example, muscle freezing or loss of balance can increase the risk of falls, compromising safety and comfort.
Adapting the home environment can lower the risk of Parkinson’s-related injuries and boost independence. Today, we’ll explore practical tips on how to adapt the home to accommodate the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms.
Why Is Living at Home With Parkinson’s Important?
Safely remaining at home as you age, or ageing in place, is the preferred living arrangement for the majority of older adults. However, people may worry that a Parkinson’s diagnosis will interfere with remaining at home, especially as symptoms progress.
However, with enough planning and thought put into the future and home adaptations, ageing in place is entirely possible for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Mobility issues and the availability of nearby services are essential considerations when making home adaptations. You should consider both present and future medical needs, as well as social support, transportation issues, and physical safety.
The ability to age in place offers several benefits, including increased independence and enhanced emotional well-being. Individuals can continue their usual routines with minimal disruption and engage in social hobbies as normal.
If you’re concerned about living at home alone with Parkinson’s, or a loved one in a similar situation, Parkinson’s care at home can provide security and confidence.
Home Adaptations Safety Checklist
To make sure a home is as safe and suitable for an individual living with Parkinson’s, you should visit each room to make sure you’ve sufficiently adapted it to be easily accessible:
Throughout the House:
- Remove clutter: To reduce the risk of tripping and falls, remove clutter, low furniture and rugs.
- Non-slip flooring: Ensure the floors are stable and safe, free from trip hazards and skid-prone surfaces.
- Secure the furniture: Check that all furniture is sturdy, secure and unable to swivel. Chairs should have armrests and an adequate seat height to facilitate easier standing up.
- Prioritise good lighting: Make sure the home features good lighting to minimise dark or shadowy areas, and adjust blinds to minimise glare.
- Widen walkways: Create wider walkways for easy access, especially if the individual with Parkinson’s uses a walker or wheelchair.
- Remove cords and wires: Pick up any electrical cords to prevent them from becoming a tripping hazard.
- Check alarm batteries: Install smoke alarms in all bedrooms and the kitchen, and check the batteries of any previously installed alarms.
In the Bedroom
- Optimise the bed: Raise the bed height so feet touch the floor when seated, and use a half side rail or bed pole to help with mobility.
- Improve lighting: Place lamps in easily accessible locations, use a bright nightlight for nighttime bathroom trips, and keep a flashlight by the bed to ensure optimal lighting at all times.
- Place a bedside commode near: If incontinence is an issue, consider a bedside commode or urinal to avoid accidents and maintain dignity.
- Place clothing rods at a reachable height: Ensure clothes are easily accessible without bending or reaching, as this can enhance independence.
- Check flooring: Ensure that the carpets are smooth and not lifting at the edges. Secure the edges of rugs to prevent trip hazards.
- Place a telephone near the bed: Ensure the individual with Parkinson’s has a reliable way to contact loved ones and emergency services should they need assistance in the middle of the night.
- Remove the top sheet: To reduce the risk of night time waking’s and overheating, replace the top sheet with a lightweight comforter.
- Avoid flannel fabrics: Replace flannel sheets and nightwear with breathable cotton.
In the Bathrooms
- Install grab bars: Add grab bars or handrails anywhere necessary, such as near the toilet, shower and bathtub.
- Add an elevated toilet seat: Replace the standard toilet seat with a raised one featuring armrests to facilitate easy and independent use.
- Shower or bath seats: Add a sturdy bench with back support to the bathtub or shower for added safety and comfort.
- Keep a perch handy: Always make seating available for tasks such as brushing teeth or shaving, especially if the individual experiences Parkinson’s-related fatigue.
- Place light switches near doorways: Ensure lighting is within reach to prevent individuals from walking into a dark, potentially slippery area.
- Keep floors non-slip: Don’t wax bathroom floors and pick up debris that may act as trip hazards.
Most falls at home take place in the bathroom. This is often due to increased difficulty getting in and out of the shower or bath, or using the toilet. To maximise independence, utilise the above tips to improve safety and instil self-confidence.
In the Kitchen
- Replace knobs with handles: Make kitchen cupboards and drawers easier to open by swapping small knobs for larger handles.
- Store commonly used items in easily accessible places: Prevent the individual from having to bend or reach for items by placing them in convenient areas.
- Place cooking items near the stove: Place pots and pans, utensils and spices near the oven to prevent burns from reaching over the stove.
- Use a single-handle faucet: Swap the fancy faucet for one with just one handle, as this is easier to control and operate without scalds or splashback.
- Keep a grabber handy: If the individual’s kitchen has lots of high shelves and cupboards, a long-handled reacher can help safely retrieve items from them.
The kitchen is another common place for accidents. People with Parkinson’s might have difficulties safely cooking in the kitchen, especially if the process has multiple steps.
In the Hallways and Stairways
- Remove clutter: Keep the stairs and hallway free of clutter; never leave things on the stairs to put away later.
- Check carpets and flooring: Ensure carpet is in good shape and blocked for safety, if necessary.
- Install lighting: Install stairs lighting and sconces along the hallways to ensure good lighting at all times.
- Check handrail safety: Handrails should be at least on one side of the steps, and 2-3 inches from the wall for good graspability.
- Keep a walker at the top and bottom of the stairs: If the individual requires a walker, a cane or a mobility aid, place two on either side of the stairs so they can use the stairs safely and reliably.
- Install a ramp: Some stairs aren’t usable safely for individuals with Parkinson’s, so cover these with ramps that are made safely when possible.
- Place brightly coloured tape on each step: Tape can signal the beginning and end of each step, helping people climb them safely even with reduced vision.
Home Renovations and Adaptations
Some home adaptations require minor adjustments or renovations to the home.
If this is something you and your family are happy to do, here are possible renovations to make life with Parkinson’s easier:
- Kitchen: Consider the space between kitchen cabinets and work surfaces for easy manoeuvring. Add a continuous surface between the sink and oven for easy transfer between them.
- Bathroom: Install a wet room or zero-entry shower for easy access. Install slip-resistant flooring in wet areas for added safety.
- Hallways: Make hallways as wide as possible to ensure they are easily usable with walkers and wheelchairs.
- Doors: Install pocket or sliding barn doors for ease of movement, especially as symptoms progress and dexterity gets limited.
- Windows: Optimise the windows and their placement to maximise natural light.
- Outside areas: Install awnings or a cover to provide individuals with Parkinson’s with weather and sun protection while enjoying outdoor spaces.
- Garage: Build a garage that accommodates vehicles with wheelchair lifts, large side openings, and sliding barn doors for easy access.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
