In this article

• Energy Conserving Tips for Those With Parkinson's Disease
• Getting Dressed With Parkinson's Disease
• Bathing With Parkinson's Disease
• Going to the Bathroom With Parkinson's Disease
• Grooming With Parkinson's Disease
• Eating, Drinking, and Parkinson's Disease
• Cooking With Parkinson's Disease
• To Prevent Drooling or Salivating
• Writing Tips for Parkinson's Disease
• Parkinson's Disease and Shopping
• Cleaning Tips for Those With Parkinson's
• Sitting and Standing
• Easing Cramps, Spasms, or Tremors Due to Parkinson's
• Parkinson's Disease and "Freezing"
• Other Tips for Those With Parkinson's Disease

Getting Dressed With Parkinson's Disease

• Get dressed while sitting in a chair that has armrests -- this will help you keep your balance.
• Roll from side to side to get pants over your hips. You can do this while sitting in a chair or lying down on your bed.
• Wear clothes that are loose fitting and have elastic waistbands.
• Choose wrap-around clothing instead of the pullover type. Also choose clothing that opens in the front, not the back so you don't have to reach behind you.
• Wear clothing with large, flat buttons, zippers, or Velcro closures.
• Use a button hook to button clothing.
• Use a dressing stick if you have shoulderweakness to get your coat or shirt on or off.
• Use a zipper pull or attach a leather loop on the end of the zipper to zip pants or jackets.
• Wear slip-on shoes or buy elastic shoelaces that allow you to slip your shoes on and off without untying the laces. Use devices such as a sock donner and long-handled shoehorn for additional assistance.

Bathing With Parkinson's Disease

• Use a shower chair if necessary.
• Use a hand-held hose for showering and bathing.
• Use a long-handled sponge or scrubbing brush.
• Use soap-on-a-rope, bath mitts, or sponges with soap inside or a soft soap applicator instead of bar soap.
• Use lukewarm water, as very hot water can cause fatigue.
• Sew straps on towels to make them easier to hold while drying.
• Place a non-skid rug on the floor outside the tub to dry your feet so you don't slip.
• Put a towel on the back of your chair and rub your back against it to dry. Or, use a terry cloth robe instead of a towel to dry off.

Going to the Bathroom With Parkinson's Disease

• If needed, use a bedside commode.
• In the bathroom, use an elevated toilet seat and/or safety rails to assist standing from a low surface.

Grooming With Parkinson's Disease

• Do all of your grooming (shaving, drying your hair, etc) while sitting.
• Use hairbrushes and combs with built-up handles or handles with finger loops.
• Use toothbrushes with built-up handles or use an electric toothbrush.