How to Ensure a Senior’s Home is Safe for Parkinson’s Care at Home

Since those with Parkinson’s disease are at a heightened risk for balance and vision concerns, they’re also at an increased risk of falling. The in-home care specialists at Hired Hands Homecare in California have a wealth of experience in providing safe Parkinson’s care in seniors’ homes, and can help reduce the risk of falls by providing a thorough safety evaluation of the home, room by room. Here are some tips to get started on making your senior loved one’s home safer, more comfortable, and as accessible as possible:

Bedroom:

• Place a firm chair in the bedroom for the senior to sit in while dressing, and include a sturdy footstool for his/her use when putting on socks and shoes
• Remove any portable space heaters, electric blankets, and any other potential fire hazards
• Secure a bed rail between the box spring and mattress
• Use nightlights in strategic places in the room for easier navigation at night

Bathroom:

• Install handrails and grab bars in the shower/tub and beside the toilet
• Utilize a shower chair and handheld sprayer to enhance safety in the shower
• Use only safely secured rubber bathmats in the bathroom

Kitchen:

• Install self-closing drawers and cabinets
• Reduce the height of counter and work spaces to allow for kitchen tasks to be done from a seated position
• Place non-skid rubber mats in front of the sink and stove, and be sure to clean up any spills immediately
• If chewing or swallowing difficulties are being experienced by the senior, use a food processor for vegetables and other more difficult to eat foods

Whole House:

• Be sure all rugs are securely anchored and smooth, and remove all throw rugs
• Make sure there’s plenty of space around furniture to make walking safer and easier
• Purchase touchable lamps or those that react to sound

For more tips and resources on making the home safer for seniors, or to learn more about our in-home Parkinson’s care services, contact Hired Hands Homecare. Serving Marin, Sonoma, Napa counties and the Tri-Valley, we can help with a full range of customized senior care support services, including personal care, meal planning and preparation, light housecleaning and laundry, running errands and providing transportation, help with ambulation, and much more. We’ll even provide a free in-home assessment to determine how we can best keep your senior loved one safe and improve his or her quality of life. Call us at 866-940-4343 to get started!

Parkinson's Disease