Welcome

Helpful hints to ease daily life for
those with Parkinson's disease.

BATHROOM AND GROOMING

Safety in the bathroom is a particular concern because of the potential hazards
from impaired balance, difficulty in walking, tremors, slowed reaction, or an
inability to call loudly for help.

TIPS

Most bathrooms are small and have surfaces that are slippery when wet. Some
preventative measures include:

• Use a tub bench or shower chair to bathe safely.
• Place a non-slip mat or adhesive anti-slip surface on the bottom of the tub or shower.
• Install grab bars instead of using weak bathroom fixtures for support.
• Remove or cover as many slippery bathroom surfaces as possible.
• "Soap on a Rope" keeps soap safely and conveniently within reach while showering or taking a bath.
• Attach suction cups to a nail brush and soap dish and affix securely to the inside of the tub, shower, or sink for easy access.
• Use a terry-cloth wash mitt instead of a washcloth.
• Use an electric razor for safely, especially by those who suffer from tremors. A variety of electric razor holders are on the market, some of which can make grasping the razor easier.
• Install a night light in the bathroom.

DRESSING
The fine-hand coordination and strength needed for buttoning and zipping clothing fasteners
are sometimes impaired in Parkinson's patients. Nevertheless, most patients feel more
comfortable dressing themselves, even though it may take them longer to do so. Clothing
fasteners can be modified in a variety of ways to compensate for loss of fine-motor skills.

• Lower clothes rods in closets, so you don't have to reach too high for items.
• Choose clothing that closes in the front, with easy and uncomplicated fastenings.
• Velcro closures make an excellent substitute for buttons and zippers. You can purchase Velcro in strips or dots at most fabric or variety stores. Remove the buttons and sew dots in place under the button hole and over the button area. Then sew the button on top of the hole. Remove zippers and replace with Velcro.
• Use a button hook or button aid. The handles of these tools are more easily grasped than a small button when find-hand coordination is impaired.
• Large, easily grasped zipper pulls make opening or closing trouser flies, jackets, and coats less difficult.
• Secure shirt cuffs with firm elastic bands to eliminate buttoning; the result is unnoticeable. (Be sure bands aren't so tight they restrict circulation.)
• A "dressing stick" is useful for pulling trousers and underclothing over feet and legs. It allows one to remain seated while dressing and reduces risk of falling. A "dressing stick" is useful for pulling trousers and underclothing over feet and legs. It allows one to remain seated while dressing and reduces risk of falling.
• Elastic shoe laces need to be tied only once and easily convert shoes to slip-ons. Or, have a shoemaker stitch Velcro straps onto standard tie shoes.