A major factor in Parkinson’s is losing full potential of the ability to move properly, it can be something like a mild finger tremor or an inability to walk. Parkinson’s can occur in most places of the body but most often affects our hands, which we don’t realize how steady they need to be until we’ve lost the ability to keep them still. Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are often overlooked, but symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, poor balance, altered speech, and slowed movement are all strong indicators that Parkinson’s Disease is present.

Like many other diseases, Parkinson’s doesn’t have a cure outside of regular treatments of medications and therapy. This leads to adapting to life with PD, however it can progress and cause more complications than an unsteady hand. If its progression is too strong, it can lead to a loss of independence that most of us aren’t willing to give up just yet. The most common loss is daily routines such as hygiene habits. So how do we manage it?

Adapt and Move Forward

Living in the past with the “what ifs” never gets us anywhere. The first step is to move forward into your new lifestyle and make some adaptive changes to your routines. Simple tasks such as brushing your teeth can become dreadful, but these things don’t have to be so hard.

Consider some of these tools:

  • Universal Weighted Holder – These are most commonly used for toothbrushes, the extra weight added onto the brush can make those tremors ease up and cause our muscles to focus on holding the weight rather than the shaking.
  • Soaper Sponge Bath Sponge – This nifty tool makes reaching less of a hassle and can even hold a bar of soap to make scrubbing easier. This is especially helpful for those in the later stages of Parkinson’s as it can reduce the strength needed to have a good, relaxing bath.
  • Millennia Raised Toilet Seat – This toilet seat is built with raised arms on either side for fall prevention, reducing the amount of balance needed to use the restroom. It can be difficult for those with shaking legs or an unsteady balance to lower onto the seat without risking harm. This toilet seat eliminates that risk greatly by its raised design with supportive bars on either side.
  • SerenaSeat – A 26 inch folding shower seat, it’s perfect for unstable legs in more progressive stages of Parkinson’s. Balance is one of the most common functions people with PD begin to lose and it can get frustrating. Falling isn’t fun — especially in the shower. This folding shower seat takes little room and is very reliable.

A Balanced Life

While the loss of balance, speech, and other functions certainly can occur with Parkinson’s Disease, it’s also manageable. Through adjustments, equipment, and lots of routine habits, living with Parkinson’s doesn’t have to feel like such a chore. A loss in physical balance doesn’t have to mean a loss in mental balance. There is no better “treatment” for a disease like Parkinson’s than a good attitude and a positive mindset.