Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. As the severity of symptoms increase, a person with Parkinson’s disease faces an increasing number of challenges in accomplishing daily tasks, including personal hygiene practices.

Some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

  • Shaking or tremors
  • Rigid muscles
  • Difficulty walking
  • Unsteady balance
  • Poor posture
  • Slowing of body movements

Hygiene Tips

The tremors and rigidity caused by Parkinson’s disease, as well as balance problems, muscle weakness and the inability to control body movements, make it difficult for people with the disease to perform basic self-care functions.

Bathing Challenges

Getting in and out of a tub may become increasingly challenging for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Solutions 

  • Install at least two handrails in bathtubs and shower stalls for the senior to hold on to as she or he gets in and out of the tub or shower. Use handrails that are screwed into wall studs beside the toilet and sinks.
  • A walk-in tub might be a good alternative to a standard tub.
  • To prevent burning, hot water temperature should not exceed 120 degrees.
  • Place non-skid rubber mats in bathtubs/showers.
  • Use rubber-backed rubs on the bathroom floor.
  • If you have a tub transfer bench or shower chair, use a handheld shower-head.
  • Because a person with PD may have difficulty gripping bar soap, wash with pump soap.
  • Shelves in the tub or shower should be at a height that does not require bending to reach them.
  • A person with PD, if unaccompanied in the bathroom, should have a cell phone or medical alert device close to him or her.
  • Touch faucets can be installed that turn on water with a simple touch when turning handles becomes more difficult.

Tooth Brushing, Shaving and Grooming 

Challenges 

As the ability to grasp and control toothbrushes, razors, combs and brushes deteriorates, these tasks become increasingly difficult to manage. Also, problems with balance while trying to complete these functions may add to the challenge.

Solutions

  • Foam tubing or slip-on grips can be added to personal care items to make them easier to handle. There are weighted universal holders that will hold a razor or toothbrush to stabilize trembling hands.
  • An electric toothbrush and electric shaver may also be a good idea.
  • Hands-free hair dryers can be mounted on a vanity unit.
  • People with Parkinson’s disease can sit down while brushing their teeth, shaving, applying makeup or drying their hair to avoid balance issues.
  • There are items like long-handle body washers that can assist in applying soap.

Toileting and Incontinence

Challenges

Using a standard toilet seat may be physically difficult due to weakness and balance issues.

Solutions 

  • Raised toilet seats and/or grab bars around toilet seats can help.
  • Avoiding caffeinated drinks will reduce visits to the bathroom, as will not drinking fluids two hours before bedtime.
  • Bathrooms should have a night light, or the bathroom light should be kept on during the night, to make navigating the bathroom safer.
  • If the person is prone to accidents, incontinence products should be used.

Dressing

Challenges

Tremors and involuntary erratic, writhing movements of the face, arms, legs or trunk can impede the dressing process. People with Parkinson’s disease may need to give themselves extra time to get dressed and explore clothing options that make the process simpler.

Solutions

Here are some tips from the Parkinson’s Foundation: Wait until your medications are working well and you have your best mobility.

  • Do a few stretching exercises before getting dressed to warm up muscles.
  • If one arm or leg has more stiffness, put this limb into the sleeve or pant leg first.
  • Sit down when dressing. Choose a chair with firm support and arms. Sitting on the edge of the bed to dress can lead to loss of balance and falling.
  • Use a footstool and consider assistive devices like long handled shoe horns to make it easier to put on shoes and socks.
  • Consider adaptive clothing tools such as a button hook, dressing stick, zipper pulls or sock aid helper.

Head over to our blog to find more tips and resources for senior caregivers.

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