Top Tips

Top Tips from People with Parkinson’s

Getting Dressed

 Put on a towelling dressing gown after showering to reduce the effort needed to get dry

 To put on shoes and socks raise the footrest when sitting in a recliner chair –
  this prevents over stretching and toppling forward

 A long shoe horn reduces the effort of putting on shoes

 Elastic shoe laces make putting on shoes much easier

 If putting on a coat is difficult, try a Pashmina wrap, shawl or cape

Eating and Drinking

 Half-fill an oversized cup to minimise spillages due to tremor

 Travel mugs with lids are useful to minimise spillages due to tremor

 Ask for a straw with drinks – or take some with you

 Use a plate with a slight lip as this makes ‘capturing’ the food easier

 When ordering a meal, ask for it to be cut up for you in the kitchen – this saves you effort
  and leaves your fellow diners free to tuck into their own meal without having to assist you

General Hints

 If writing is difficult, a rubber stamp with a personalised message and signature (£30) can
  minimise the effort of writing cards etc

 A cheaper alternative for completing cards could be to scan your signature into the
  computer and print off sticky labels

 Keep a supply of labels with name, address and telephone number to minimise the effort
  needed to complete forms

 An envelope opener minimises the effort of dealing with the post

 Ask for a chair with arms to make it easier to get up again

 Non-slip matting (or on some surfaces a damp cloth) helps to stop things sliding away from
  you

 Magnetic necklace clasps (available at St Austell market in gold and silver) make putting
  on jewellery much easier

 Use wet wipes to clean shoes – special ones are available for leather and different materials

 A 3 or 4 wheeled walking frame with storage compartment is very useful when shopping