Activities of Daily Living: Practical Pointers for Parkinson Disease

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Activities of Daily Living:
Practical
Pointers for
P
Parkinson
P
Disease

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Activities of Daily Living:
Practical Pointers for Parkinson
Contributors
Heather Cianci, PT, MS, GCS
The Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehab Center
Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center at Pennsylvania Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
Lizette Cloete, OTR/L
Skaggs Community Health Center
Branson, MO
Joan Gardner, RN, BSN
Struthers Parkinson’s Center
Minneapolis, MN
Marilyn Trail, MOT, OTR, BCN
Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center
Michael E. DeBakey VAMC and Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX
Rose Wichmann, PT
Struthers Parkinson’s Center
Minneapolis, MN

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Activities of Daily Living: Practical Pointers for
Parkinson Disease
Disclaimer
The material provided in this booklet is made available by
the National Parkinson Foundation as a public, educational
service. The National Parkinson Foundation has not examined,
reviewed or tested any product, device, or information
contained in this booklet, nor does the National Parkinson
Foundation endorse or represent any product, device or
company listed in this booklet. The National Parkinson
Foundation assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind
related to the content of this booklet. Readers should consult
with their own physician and other health care professionals for
individualized medical treatment and advice.
Photos courtesy of North Coast Medical, ©North Coast
Medical, unless otherwise noted.

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Contents
Introduction .......................................................... 6
Bathing, Grooming and Toileting ......................... 9
Dressing ................................................................ 16
Rest and Sleeping ................................................. 19
Eating .................................................................... 22
Getting Around ..................................................... 25
Changing Positions ............................................... 28
Recreation and Exercise ....................................... 33
Handwriting ......................................................... 34
Other Aids for Daily Living ................................. 35
Resources .............................................................. 36

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Activities of DAily living: PrActicAl Pointers for PArkinson DiseAse
Introduction
Activities of Daily Living: Practical Pointers for Parkinson
Disease (PD) provides easy-to-use tips that will help you
remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. This
booklet features information about aids that will make your
daily life easier, and includes special tips for carepartners.
While this information is helpful, it is not intended to replace
the services of a physical or occupational therapist.
Following are some frequently asked questions that will help
you understand more about activities of daily living, adaptive
aids, and physical and occupational therapists.
Ask your doctor or nurse about referring you to a physical or
occupational therapist to help with activities of daily living.
What are activities of daily living?
Activities of daily living, often called ADL’s, include
bathing, dressing, eating, sleeping, toileting, walking and
moving about. These and other routines are what we normally
do as part of our daily lives.
How can PD affect activities of daily living?
Many people with PD are able to go independently about
their activities of daily living. The symptoms of PD—tremor,
stiffness, slow movement and balance problems—worsen over
time, and can make it more difficult to do things like get in and
out of a bathtub, stand up from a chair, or walk.
What are adaptive aids?
Adaptive aids are items that can help you stay as
independent as possible for as long as possible. These devices
can make your daily life easier and safer, and improve your
quality of life.
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Activities of DAily living: PrActicAl Pointers for PArkinson DiseAse
Does insurance pay for adaptive aids?

Generally, insurance will cover certain items, such as
bedside commodes, hospital beds, and some wheelchairs.
Insurance companies usually require a prescription from a
doctor. Unfortunately, many of the items listed in this booklet
are not covered by most insurance plans.
What if I can’t afford to buy the adaptive aids that I need?
If a piece of equipment is more than you can afford, there
are resources that may help. A physical or occupational
therapist may know of some local sources for free or low cost
equipment. Check local classified ads for used equipment.
Community organizations or social agencies may have
equipment to loan or other assistance programs. Check with:
• Local service organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis,
Lions and VFW
• Local hospitals, clinics and home health care
• Churches, synagogues, or other faith-based organizations
• Community charities such as Easter Seals or Goodwill
• County or state agencies such as the Area Agency on
Aging
• If you are a veteran, check with your local Veterans
Administration



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Activities of DAily living: PrActicAl Pointers for PArkinson DiseAse
What is an occupational therapist and physical therapist?
Occupational therapists and physical therapists are licensed
health care professionals who work in hospitals, clinics, home
health, and extended care facilities. Occupational and physical
therapists can:
• Design an exercise program to meet your particular
needs.
• Evaluate and treat problems of mobility and walking.
• Evaluate and treat joint or muscle pain which interferes
with the activities of daily living.
• Help with poor balance or frequent falling.
• Teach carepartners proper body mechanics and
techniques for helping someone with Parkinson disease.
• Refer to movement and exercise programs in the
community.
• Treat difficulties accomplishing activities of daily living.
• Recommend and teach the correct use of adaptive
equipment.
Your doctor or other health care professional should be able
to refer you to a therapist in your area. When possible, it is best
to see a therapist that has special training and experience with
PD. Visits to an occupational or physical therapist are usually
covered by medical insurance with referral by a doctor.
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