Care Map Continues

Movement and Falls

As Parkinson’s advances, movement becomes increasingly difficult. You will likely need to provide greater hands-on assistance and learn safe and effective ways to provide help without injuring yourself or your loved one. The videos on this page will give you strategies for helping the person with Parkinson’s move around so that both you and your loved one stay safe. 

Part 1 provides information on how to help the person with Parkinson’s sit down and stand up safely, including tips on cuing and the best furniture options. Part 2 reviews the major changes to mobility – freezing; short, shuffling steps; instability and falls – and their impact on movement and safety for both you and the person with Parkinson’s. This video also reviews how to help someone up from a fall and how to pick the best assistive device for the person with PD.

Tip

To make sure health care providers understand your loved one’s “on” and “off” periods, it can be helpful to show them a video of your loved one’s movements during those times. If you have a recording device, such as a smartphone or digital camera, use it to film your loved one’s “on” and “off” states, then show it to the doctors. This will help them see what “on” and “off” means for your loved one, and may help them adjust treatment and care recommendations.

The information here offers suggestions and helpful hints, but is not designed to answer all questions. Each person with Parkinson’s is unique, so the suggestions may need to be modified for your particular situation. You are strongly recommended to seek and build a team of professionals in your local area to help you on your caregiving journey. If you have questions or need a referral to a local provider, call the National Parkinson Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

http://caremap.parkinson.org/movement-and-falls/

Activities at Home

Symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s may decrease your loved one’s ability to participate in leisure activities. This video will help you find ways to engage your loved one physically, mentally and socially to maximize his or her mobility and quality of life. 

The information here offers suggestions and helpful hints, but is not designed to answer all questions. Each person with Parkinson’s is unique, so the suggestions may need to be modified for your particular situation. You are strongly recommended to seek and build a team of professionals in your local area to help you on your caregiving journey. If you have questions or need a referral to a local provider, call the National Parkinson Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

http://caremap.parkinson.org/activities-at-home/

Travel and Transportation

Are you ready to take your loved one with Parkinson’s out of the home for an appointment, family visit or other activity? Traveling can be a cumbersome process with advanced-stage Parkinson’s, but these outings are sometimes needed, and can even be beneficial to your loved one’s well-being. The videos on this page will help you prepare for your journey, whether you are traveling around the corner or around the globe.

Part 1 gives tips to get ready for outings, including making sure your home and car are accessible. Part 2 helps you complete the preparation for your outings with tips for working with a transport company and traveling by plane.

The information here offers suggestions and helpful hints, but is not designed to answer all questions. Each person with Parkinson’s is unique, so the suggestions may need to be modified for your particular situation. You are strongly recommended to seek and build a team of professionals in your local area to help you on your caregiving journey. If you have questions or need a referral to a local provider, call the National Parkinson Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

http://caremap.parkinson.org/travel-and-transportation/

Mealtime and Swallowing

Your loved one may need your help to get his or her needed nutrition. The videos on this page will review ways to make mealtime safer, less stressful and more enjoyable while helping the person with Parkinson’s maintain independence in eating. 

Part 1 offers tips for meal set-up and examples of foods that are easy to chew and swallow for people with Parkinson’s. Part 2 addresses ways to combat dehydration, weight loss and problems swallowing medications.

The information here offers suggestions and helpful hints, but is not designed to answer all questions. Each person with Parkinson’s is unique, so the suggestions may need to be modified for your particular situation. You are strongly recommended to seek and build a team of professionals in your local area to help you on your caregiving journey. If you have questions or need a referral to a local provider, call the National Parkinson Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

http://caremap.parkinson.org/mealtime-and-swallowing/