Considerations to Assist Those Living With Parkinson’s Disease
Living With Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition which is primarily related to a lack of dopamine in the brain. Symptoms include both motor and non-motor types.
From a mobility perspective, rigidity and slowness of movement are the two most frustrating aspects.
Common difficulties are:
Walking
- To help initiate walking, gently rock the person from side to side and then ask them to step forward.
Encourage the person to step over an object when freezing occurs
Counting while walking is helpful
Encourage arm swing to improve balance
Turning
- Encourage them to turn in a wide circle rather than pivoting on the spot
Turning in bed
- May need regular turning
Use slide sheets, bed rails or bed pole
Rising from a chair
- Use a high chair with arm rests or a recline lift chair
Move to the front of the chair, place feet on the floor 8 – 10 inches apart, put hands on the arm rests, lean forward to get nose aligned over toes and push up
If unsuccessful rock forward and re-try
Tremor
- Writing, eating and dressing are difficult
Keep elbow pressed close to side
Use adapted eating utensils and crockery
Communication
- Tremor, stiffness and slowness also impact upon the person’s ability to communicate and express themselves both verbally and non- verbally
Be patient – don’t misinterpret the inability to smile, frown or grin as a flat disinterested personality
Don’t talk for the person
Allow them time for the person to respond, do not rush them
Use questions requiring short answers or yes/no responses
Encourage printing rather than writing
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For more information visit www.parkinsons.org.au