"Tremors, especially in the hands, plus the other symptoms such as rigidity and postural instability, make ordinary activities difficult to perform for persons with Parkinson's. Assistive devices and simple techniques are available to help ease the difficulty. Devices exist which can alleviate problems with grasping,holding,dressing,reaching,carrying,sitting,climbing stairs, walking, and driving. You physician can also refer you to an occupational therapist who can teach you how to use these devices as well as how to consume your energy and time. Most items are available from medical and health support stores, and there may be government programs available to assist in their purchase.The following are a few well-known distribution centres which can be browsed in Ottawa, or through the internet and use of catalogues:-
* ADAPTABILITY 1-(800) 288-9941 www.snswwide.com
* CANADA CARE MEDICAL INC-1644 Bank Street 234-1222
* HANDI-HOUSE-943 Carling Avenue 728-1115
* ONTARIO MEDICAL SUPPLY LTD-848 Belfast Road 244-8620
* SAMMONS PRESTON 1-(800)665-9200 www.sammonspreston.com
Imaginative use of readily available household utensils such as a hammer and saw can also be used to produce simple and inexpensive solutions. The following is a listing of common tasks which can be carried out with the help of simple applications:
1 .Opening Containers
First of all, avoid buying large containers or packages. Keep them manageable
in size for easy lifting and maneuvering. If you buy large quantities to
be economical, transfer the contents into smaller containers for day to-day
use.
For canned goods, an electric can opener is the best gadget. The simplest
type of jar opener is manually operated, V-shaped and is mounted on the
wall at chest height. While holding the jar upright, wedge the lid into
the the V. Then, with the "V" gripping the lid, turn the body of the jar
with both hands to open it. For milk cartons, use the thumbs of both hands
to push open the wings of the spout, while your fingers brace the back
of the container. Then take a knife and pry open the spout.
When you open a container or package it's vital to stabilize it to
prevent it from slipping. Use of Dycem Pads can also be used to secure
a jar or can to the countertop.
A nail and hammer can be used to make a tiny hole in vacuum packed
containers such as jelly and jam jars. A hiss will tell you when you
have loosened the container.
Use a dinner knife to slowly pry open the glued flaps of a box. This
technique may feel awkward, but it's better and safer than using a sharp
instrument.
2. Improving Grip
"Fatten" the handles of tools, cooking utensils, flatware, hair and
tooth brushes-and any handle that's difficult to grip with. Suggested material
is foam tubing used to insulate water pipes. The tubing is slit on one
side for easy installation and cut to length with scissors, slipped
over a handle, then secured in place with duct tape.
To strengthen your grip on doorknobs, a no cost solution is to wind
a few elastic bands around the doorknob's widest part, which will give
you increased traction.
Bedside and table lamps that turn on or off when you touch their bases
aee a clever way to avoid fumbling in the dark. Lighting stores also sell
a device called a Touch-tronic that fits into a light socket and converts
conventional lamps into "touch" lamps.
3. Bathroom Betterments
Slippery bathroom surfaces are the common cause of accidental falls.
Have a professional contractor install safety grab-bars in the shower stall
or bathtub or next to the toilet. Non-slip rubber mats in the tub and on
the bathroom floor can also reduce the risk.
If you have trouble finding the end of the toilet roll place the roll
with the end hanging towards you. The paper will feed over the top and
you will be able to get an easy hold on it.
Wash mitts or terry cloth gloves eliminate the need for reaching for
a washcloth.
Reaching for a slippery bar of soap can be facilitated by attaching
the soap to a rope; or use a dispensable bottle.
Use a long handled brush or sponge for washing below the knees.
4. Dressing Tips.
If you find it hard to do up buttons on your clothes, you have a number
of options. Use a button hook to thread a small wire loop through the buttonhole
to snare the button and draw it back. Or remove the buttons and replace
them with small pieces of Velcro. Then sew the buttons permanently in place
of the buttonholes.
When you find that stockings defy your ability to put them on, use
little foot socks. Place an open sock on the floor, work your foot into
the sock and use a long hook to pull the sock up to the heel.
For putting on or taking off shoes without a struggle, replace
the laces with Velcro or elastic.
Replace your buttonned suit with track or sweat suits.
A dressing stick or cane makes it easier to pull up pants or underwear.
5. Easier Eating
To avoid the usual kitchen mess when eating, place your bowl over a
sheet of wax paper to catch spills, or set the bowl in the kitchen sink
so that any mess can be washed drown the drain easily.
If you have trouble holding ordinary glasses, which can be slippery
and hard to grasp, try using a wine goblet, cradling and lifting it with
both hands.
6. Bedroom Living Aids
A rope attached to the footboard of the bed is a useful technique
to pull yourself up. Knots should be tied along the rope for handles. The
rope should be long enough to reach the chest when lying down.
Use an extra mattress and/or wooden blocks to elevate the bed which
facilitates getting in and out of bed.
Satin sheets allow easier movement in bed."
Ken Clements [log in to unmask]