The PD-Friendly
Home
Having a "Parkinson’s disease-friendly home" means living in a place that is designed around your specific needs. The tips that follow in this section may add additional comfort and convenience to your home. Best of all, many of these suggestions can be put into use right away. Don’t forget: If you have difficulty applying a certain tip to your own home, check with a family member, friend, or caregiver. They may be able to lend a hand.
Explore the safe features of a Parkinson’s-friendly home
Dressing & Moving Around
Keep the floors around your home clean and clear to prevent falls.
Give yourself plenty of time to dress, so you don’t have to rush.
Select loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off. You may find it helpful to put Velcro® fasteners on some of your favorite outfits. Ask a friend, family member or caregiver to help you affix Velcro® to your clothing, to help make dressing easier.
Ensure that you have a firm chair to use when dressing and a footstool for putting on your shoes.
Try wearing shoes with low heels or flat soles.
Pace yourself throughout the day. Take rest breaks throughout your day so you don’t get tired.
Planning Pays: Schedule activities ahead of time so you don’t have to rush.
Bathing, Grooming, and Using the Bathroom
Use a shower chair and a hand-held shower spray. If you take baths, try to use a tub-transfer bench.
Use only rubber and rubber-backed mats in the bathroom.
Have a friend, family member, or caregiver install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom.
Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom.
Resting and Sleeping
Try to get enough sleep every night.
Use a firm, straight-back chair with arm rests while sitting. Try to avoid chairs with soft cushions and swivel/rocking chairs.
Have a friend, family member, or caregiver install a bed rail between your mattress and your box spring to help you get into and out of bed more easily.
Keep a few night-lights on in the bedroom and bathroom at night. This will help you find your way around when it gets dark.
Prescription REQUIP XL is not for everyone. REQUIP XL may cause you to fall asleep or feel very sleepy during normal activities such as driving; or to faint or feel dizzy, nauseated, or sweaty when you stand up. Tell your doctor if you experience these or the following problems, or if you drink alcohol or are taking other medicines that make you drowsy. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness, headache, and sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia). Increase or decrease in blood pressure and heart rate may occur. Hallucinations may occur at any time during treatment. Also tell your doctor if you experience new or increased gambling, sexual, or other intense urges while taking REQUIP XL. REQUIP XL may increase the side effects of L-dopa. Most patients were not bothered enough to stop taking REQUIP XL.