A Better Living Home Care Agency
(Sacramento)

9719 Lincoln Village, Suite 609
Sacramento, California 95827
(916) 361‑3000

A Better Living Home Care Agency
(Walnut Creek/Concord)

2280 Diamond Boulevard, Suite 580
Concord, California 94520
(925) 680‑0300

Parkinson's Disease & Home Safety

Home safety becomes an increasing concern as Parkinson’s disease progresses. People with Parkinson’s disease must contend with many complications when they are moving around the home. Rigidity, imbalance, slow movements, and tremors can contribute to falls and possible injury. By being proactive and creating a safe environment at home, falls and injuries can be prevented.

The following safety tips can be used as a guide for making your home safe for people living with Parkinson’s disease:

Furniture arrangement: Allow plenty of space between furniture for standing, sitting, and turning. If a wheelchair is being used, ensure plenty of mobile access between furniture.

Using the stairs: Install handrails on both sides of the stairwell. Mark the first step and last step with non-slip paint or colored tape for easy recognition.

Remove throw rugs: Loose rugs that are usually laid on linoleum, vinyl or wood floors can trigger slips and falls.

Sit and cook: Sitting while you cook gives you the balance you need when concentrating on combining ingredients. Set up ingredients and kitchen tools so that you can easily reach items without having to stand up.

Replace manual utensils: Can openers, vegetable peelers, and scissors can be replaced with electric or battery operated versions for safer use.

Move into a downstairs bedroom: The less often you need to use the stairs the less likelihood you risk falling.

Make the bed safer: Install rails to the side of the bed to help with getting in and out.

Avoid wearing slippers: Slippers can be slippery and get caught on flooring. Instead wear anti-skid socks especially on slick floors.

Remodel shower: Stepping over the side of a tub can pose serious injury. Consider adding a transfer bench which allows you to sit down and swing or pull your legs over the side. Or invest in a walk-in tub which had a door you can open to get in and out of the tub and often comes with a bench inside the tub to sit on when you want to shower. Add grip bars for balance and rubber fabric to the shower floor to reduce slipping.

For more tips on creating a safe home environment, contact your doctor or ask an occupational therapist to do a Home Safety Evaluation (this is a for-charge service). For in‑home care, contact A Better Living Home Care.

Learn Facts about Parkinson's
Parkinson's & Nutritrion
Parkinson's & Exercise
Parkinson's & Fatigue
Parkinson's & Stress
Parkinson's & Relationships