Individuals with Parkinson’s disease need community support. These men and women typically have mobility issues that make it difficult to navigate their community. As a result, they struggle to participate in personal, work, and social activities.
Communities dedicated to managing Parkinson’s disease for individuals with this condition will give them a sense of belonging. Men and women affected by this disorder will have access to public transit, residential areas, shopping, and more. Why is this important?
How Parkinson’s Disease Impacts Community Mobility
Men and women with Parkinson’s disease may have decreased balance and a frozen gait that interfere with their walking ability. They often struggle with involuntary movements and aspects of the environment can be hazardous to them. Weather conditions and uneven sidewalk surfaces are two things they must constantly watch for when out and about.
Community Support
Occupational therapists are often called in to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease. They work with patients to develop strategies for navigating the community. With the help of these professionals, men and women with this disorder will feel more confident about their ability to get around outside of the home.
Assistive Devices
Men and women with Parkinson’s disease often benefit from assistive devices when they are moving around the community. These devices allow them to participate in daily activities. What are some standard assistive devices used by individuals with this disorder?
Car grab bars help men and women get in and out of vehicles. These devices easily store away when not in use and come with a metal hook attached to a non-slip handle. The individual places this metal hook inside the U-shaped latch on the interior car door. The handle provides additional support when they attempt to sit or stand when entering and exiting vehicles. They can remove and store the grab bar once they enter or exit the car.
Recumbent tricycles allow individuals with Parkinson’s disease to get around their community. Men and women who love to bike will appreciate having access to these tricycles. Due to balance, coordination, and strength changes, they may be unable to ride a two-wheeled bike any longer. A recumbent tricycle accounts for these changes. The three wheels will give them a sturdier support base, and the backrest helps them maintain their core balance.
Walking poles are a great benefit to those with Parkinson’s disease. They help the individual remain more stable, promote good posture, and encourage larger movement patterns. Men and women can use these poles indoors and outdoors.
Canes are an alternative to walking poles, and many people prefer to use them. A single-point cane provides extra support as they walk, making them feel more comfortable and safe. They can also use the cane as a visual target to remind them to take larger steps rather than shuffle.
Laser canes are another option. When used, they send a red line in front of the person holding the cane each time it touches the ground. Men and women who struggle with freezing of the gait find the laser reminds them where they need to step. It helps break their freezing episodes and encourages them to take longer steps.
When icy or snowy outdoors, men and women with Parkinson’s disease should add an ice-pick attachment to their cane. This will stabilize them in less-than-ideal conditions and allow them to move around more freely, even in bad weather.
Walkers are another option for men and women with mobility challenges. Rollator walkers have four wheels, a built-in seat, and a basket for storage. These assistive devices usually come with brakes. Men and women with Parkinson’s find them helpful when they are out for long periods as they can walk or sit, whichever feels comfortable.
Walker options are available. A person may want one without wheels for indoor use, but it should not be used on stairs. A three-wheeled walker makes it easy to maneuver in small spaces but lacks the stability of the four-wheeled version.
Community facilities should have wheelchairs for individuals to use. Men and women with Parkinson’s disease often need help moving around. This is especially true for those who struggle with excessive shuffling or fatigue. With the help of this chair, they can engage in meaningful activities. Manual and power versions are available.
Men and women with Parkinson’s want to live active lives. The community can help them do so by offering assistive devices. Occupational therapists can also benefit these individuals, as they help patients find ways to increase their mobility when they are out and about. Anyone struggling with this disorder should seek help today so they can live a full and healthy life.
