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Safety Tips for Parkinson's Disease Posted: December 07, 2009 by Dr. P.D. Tags: parkinson's safety Due to the gradually progressive nature of the disease and its various complications, falls are very common in Parkinson's disease. By following some simple safety tips many of these falls and injuries may be prevented. The typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as rigidity, impaired balance and slowness of movement all contribute to this tendency to fall. Bending forwards while walking with short shuffling steps, difficulty in maintaining balance while turning and freezing or stopping in mid step increase the chances of falling in a patient with Parkinson's disease. Postural hypotension (sudden fall of blood pressure on standing) may occur as a side effect of medications, causing dizziness and increasing the risk of falling. Safety Tips for Maintaining Balance A few simple safety tips that both the patient and caregivers should bear in mind will diminish the risk of serious injuries due to falls. Always keep one hand free when walking. This will allow you to grab on a chair when about to fall and will allow you to break the force of the fall. Try to swing both arms as much as possible while walking. This increases balance and stability when moving. Try to lift the feet while walking to prevent shuffling and chances of tripping. While standing and walking, keep legs slightly apart. This improves stability by distributing weight evenly and over a larger area through the legs and feet. Breaking down the sequence of walking and carrying out each sequence consciously may help to walk steadily. Certain cues may be used while walking to prevent freezing. Wearing correct footwear is important. Low heeled shoes are best. Move slowly when getting up from the sitting to the standing position and wait a few seconds before starting to walk. While turning do it slowly, taking a slightly curved path. Avoid getting distracted when walking. Use walking aids such as walking sticks or frames if necessary. Safety Tips around the House Since most Parkinson's patients are confined to the home, it is important that the housekeepers and home owners take the necessary measures to minimize injuries. Simple measures like the following may go a long way in assisting a Parkinson's patient. Floors should be smooth without being slippery. Special care should be taken to see that the walking area is free. Small objects coming under the feet can be very dangerous. Care should be taken to see that children and pets do not come in the way when the person is walking. Furniture should be in their proper places with enough space around them to be able to move around easily. Placing small rugs on the floor should be avoided. Enough lighting in all places and night lights in the bathroom and hallways are a must. Light switches should be within easy reach from the bed. Avoid using the stairs as much as possible. Hand rails should be there on both sides of the stairs. Extension cords and wires on the floor should be avoided as much as possible to prevent chances of tripping over them. Walking aids should be placed nearby and within easy reach of the patient. Emergency phone numbers, especially of family members or neighbors who may be called if necessary, should be programmed in the mobile phone and land phone for easy accessibility. Fire hazards such as heaters, candles or oil lamps should not be around. Grip bars should be placed at strategic positions around the house and especially in the bathroom around the toilet, bathtub and shower areas. Use non-skid bath mats and bath chair or stool in the shower. It is advisable that a home caregiver have sufficient knowledge on emergency care and first aid and be able to identify the signs and symptoms of a fracture or concussion to ensure that appropriate medical attention is sought after a fall or injury. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn