Q: I have Parkinson’s Disease. What are some gadgets or devices that might make my life easier?
A: Using assistive devices to promote your own independence and safety is an excellent idea. Not only can it make things easier, but it also means saving your energy, reducing your stress, and increasing your ability to do things on your own.
Parkinson’s Disease impairs one’s mobility and can have symptoms like slower movement, stiffness, tremors, and postural instability. As symptoms progress, finding the right tools to assist you in your activities at home is essential to maintaining your independence.
Senior Concerns hosts a Parkinson’s Support group on the first Tuesday of every month from 2:30 – 4 pm in Thousand Oaks. You can learn more here https://www.seniorconcerns.org/programs/support-groups/ or by calling 805-497-0189.
At the last support group, the members had a type of show-and-tell session, where everyone brought devices and gadgets they found useful to share. Support groups are great places to share experiences and get practical advice from others in a similar situation.
Some of the devices shared could be useful for you and others experiencing mobility issues. One is called a Handybar. It’s a portable, small tool that becomes a low handle to help you get in and out of a vehicle. It inserts into the car’s door latch to provide you with a stable bar to hold for support when transferring out of a car. The group agreed it is most useful with a larger car.
One person shared their jar opener. It adjusts to any size jar and provides a firm grip with an easy-to-use twist handle.
The group shared what helps with eating. Weighted silverware, plates with dividers and larger lips to make scooping the food easier, and non-skid placemats were some of the favorite items.
Another participant uses rolls of rubber shelf liner in a variety of ways. You can cut the size you need and use them to keep plates, seat cushions, and anything else from slipping. You can also use them to create a better grip on a can.
Many in the group use slip-on shoes so they do not have to tie laces or even reach down to their feet. Some who use compression socks shared that they have a sock aid device to help get the compression socks on.
Gait belts were discussed as a way for their care partner to help guide them if they lose their balance. This is a sturdy, adjustable strap that is worn around the waist and can be used for stability support while walking.
Everyone agreed that anything to prevent falls is valuable. They shared the canes and walkers that support them. One group participant shared that they keep a lighter-weight walker in the car and a heavier, sturdier one inside the house.
A few other devices to note were bidets to assist with restroom cleanliness and bed assist rails to help with transferring in and out of bed.
We also looked at some useful websites that specialize in adaptive technology and adaptive clothing. Some of these sites include https://www.alzstore.com/, https://www.thewrightstuff.com/, and https://www.buckandbuck.com/.
Group members shared that these websites have a compilation of items and can be a great place to get ideas and search for solutions to activities that are becoming difficult. Of course, another way to get ideas is to speak with others in similar situations. Support groups or sharing with friends can provide a wealth of information.
The ideas shared in this column are only a few of the many ways that devices and gadgets can make your day-to-day activities easier and safer. As your abilities change, keep asking for suggestions and advice from others. Search your symptoms online with the words “Adaptive” or “assistance” to see what comes up. It is always worth taking the time to search for ideas, and you may find the right thing to help you and make your day less stressful.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
