Grooming Tips for Patients with Parkinson Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease caused when a small group of brain cells that control body movements die. Due to this progressive neuro problem, symptoms of Parkinson disease makes it difficult to perform your daily routine. Here we discuss some useful grooming tips for patients with Parkinson disease.

Top Grooming Tips for Patients with Parkinson Disease

• The dressing is easier when your medicines are working. So, plan to dress when you don’t feel rushed. Allow enough time to get ready. If your balance is unsteady, sit on a sturdy armchair when you dress.
• Dress in front of a mirror. This will help you find the sleeves and match buttonholes. Button your shirt from the bottom up and you will be less like to skip a button.
• Replace buttons and zip fasteners with Velcro.
• Wear clothing with large, flat buttons, zippers or Velcro.
• While putting on your shirt or coat, always dress your weaker side first. While undressing, take the garment off the strong side first.
• Use zipper pull or attach a leather loop on the end of the zipper
• Choose the right shoes. If you have a shuffling gait, soft rubber soles make walking more difficult. Hard leather soles can be very slippery on linoleum or ceramic floor tiles.
• When you will brush your teeth, shave or blow dry your hair, Sit down and complete your task. This will help falls and conserve energy.
• Use a hand-held nozzle if you sit on a bathtub transfer bench or shower chair while showering.
• Use rubber-backed bathroom rugs. Try kitchen rugs rather than bathtub rugs, as they tend to be thinner.
• Wear clothes that are loose fitting and have elastic waistbands.
• Use a button hook to button clothing.
• Use a dressing stick if you have shoulder weakness to get your coat or shirt on or off.

Bathing Tips for Parkinson’s Patient

• If the soap slips out of your hands often while taking a bath, put the soap in a full-length nylon stocking and tie this stocking to the tap.
• Cut your nails right after a bath. They will be less brittle, making them easier to cut.
• Use an electric toothbrush which is battery operated.
• If your hands shake while shaving, start using an electric razor. This will help you avoid cuts.
• Install handrails. Bathtubs and shower stalls ought to have a minimum of 2 handrails to hold onto as you get in and out. You can look at having a shower remodel to make sure that these specifications are met. These ought to be professionally put in once doable. Ne’er use towel bars, soap dishes or taps as handrails.
• Consider changing to a walk-in shower base.
• Use an electric toothbrush & also use an electric razor.
• Use a hands-free hairdryer that can be mounted on a vanity.
• It is essential to place a non-skid rubber bath mat in all bathtubs and shower stalls to prevent slipping.
• Use a hand-held nozzle if you sit on a bathtub transfer bench or shower chair while
• Use rubber-backed bathroom kitchen rugs rather than bathtub rugs, as they tend to be thinner.
• Install a bathtub rail for support and safety once entering into and out of the bathtub if you do not have access to a shower and use a tub for bathing.
• Wash with pump soap rather than soap, that is tough to carry and may leave a dangerous, slippery film on the ground.
• Install a shelf within the tub or shower space, therefore you do not need to bend to pick up things. Shelving works best once things will be stored on between the level of the shoulders and knees.
• Parkinson patient who doesn’t have adequate leg strength, they may feel difficult to get off. So, use an elevated toilet seat or install a sturdy toilet frame to get stability & get up safely with less effort.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and cola which may worsen problems.
• Keep a nightlight on in the bathroom, if you use at night.
• If you have urinary tract infection, frequent and urgent urination with burning pain. Consult with the health care provider and consult with a urologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating the disease of the urinary tract.
• Try a regular schedule for going to the bathroom, such as every 2 hours.
• Limit evening fluids two hours before bedtime if getting up at night to use the bathroom is the problem.
• Bring a cordless phone into the bathroom so that you can call for help in the case of a fall.
• Use a bidet. A good quality bidet has both a warm water spray and dryer, which can make cleaning much easier.
• Put a bell in the bathroom so that anyone and care providers can be alerted if you need help.
• At night use a portable urinal and or bedpan if you find getting out of bed to make trips to the bathroom is too difficult.
• If PD patient is facing any difficulties for taking bath, so use a shower chair if necessary. you can use long-handled sponge or scrubbing brush.
• Make sure you can call for any requirement if needed. Invariably have a mobile phone or medical alert device with you.
• Work with an occupational therapist to make these tasks easier.