When you have Parkinson's disease (PD), symptoms such as shakiness,
rigid muscles, slow movements, and unsteadiness can affect your daily
life. As the disease worsens, it can turn routine tasks—such as eating,
dressing, and writing—into daunting chores. Assistive devices make these
tasks easier so you're able to do more.
1. Cooking Tools
PD itself or medication side effects can cause trembling, twisting, or
writhing movements that turn the kitchen into a danger zone. Rocker
knives, which have rounded blades used in a rocking motion, can make
cutting safer. Electric models of can openers, vegetable peelers, and
scissors may be easier to use than manual ones.
2. Eating Utensils
A travel mug with a lid and attached straw helps prevent drink spills,
and a nonskid mat under your plate helps hold it securely in place.
Utensils with oversized or angled handles may be easier to use, and a
scoop plate with a rim on one side can keep food from sliding off.
3. Bathroom Aids
Bathroom aids can make this essential room safer and more accessible.
Examples include a shower chair, grab bars, and a nonskid bath mat. If
shaky hands make grooming tricky, an electric toothbrush, electric
razor, or hands-free hair dryer mounted on the vanity may help.
4. Dressing Tools
Clothing fasteners, such as buttonhooks and zipper pulls, can help you
dress with success. Lightweight, supportive shoes with Velcro tabs or
elastic shoelaces are easier to put on. Around the house, socks with
nonslip soles may stay on your feet better than traditional slippers.
5. Bedroom Aids
In bed, a blanket support—a frame that holds the weight of the blanket
off your feet—makes it easier to move freely. An assist handle—a sturdy
handle that attaches to the bedside—helps you pull yourself upright.
When you get up at night, a motion-activated nightlight is handy.
6. Writing Tools
A common symptom of PD is handwriting that becomes small, cramped, and
laborious. A pen grip—a rubber or foam cylinder that fits over your
pen—may help your hand stay more relaxed as you write. Also, a ballpoint
pen is often easier to control than a felt-tip or rollerball.
7. Computer Gear
If typing on a computer keyboard or using a mouse becomes difficult,
several options are available. You might type using a keyguard—a plastic
overlay with holes that isolate each key. Or you might use an
alternative to a mouse, such as a touchpad, joystick, or trackball.
8. Voice Devices
Voice changes are common in PD. If your voice is very soft, a personal
voice amplifier may help, particularly in social situations where
several people are talking against background noise. There are also
telephone amplifiers to increase the volume of your voice on the phone.
9. Walking Aids
PD often leads to a shuffling gait and impaired balance. A cane or a
wheeled walker may improve your ability to get around. If you freeze up
when walking, a laser cane or walker can beam a line across your path.
This visual cue may help break freezing episodes.
10. Organizing Tools
In some cases, PD may affect your memory. A pillbox with compartments
for organizing your pills and an alarm to remind you to take them can
help. The calendar function on a smartphone can alert you to
appointments. The memo function is convenient for grocery and to-do
lists.
Source : in health CNN
Rollator is sometimes called a wheeled walker. It's very useful tools for disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. Good quality rollators
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