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Safety Tips

Be mindful of these guidelines

Falls are common to people with Parkinson’s disease. Use some of these safety tips to help prevent or avoid falls and other injuries.

• Always keep one hand free when walking. This will allow you to grab on a chair when about to fall and will allow you to break the force of the fall.
• Try to swing both arms as much as possible while walking. This increases balance and stability when moving.
• Try to lift the feet while walking to prevent shuffling and chances of tripping.
• While standing and walking, keep legs slightly apart. This improves stability by distributing weight evenly and over a larger area through the legs and feet.
• Breaking down the sequence of walking and carrying out each sequence consciously may help to walk steadily.
• Certain cues may be used while walking to prevent freezing .
• Wearing correct footwear is important. Low heeled shoes are best.
• Move slowly when getting up from the sitting to the standing position and wait a few seconds before starting to walk.
• While turning do it slowly, taking a slightly curved path.
• Avoid getting distracted when walking.
• Use walking aids such as walking sticks or frames if necessary.
• Floors should be smooth without being slippery.
• Special care should be taken to see that the walking area is free. Small objects coming under the feet can be very dangerous.
• Care should be taken to see that children and pets do not come in the way when the person is walking.
• Furniture should be in their proper places with enough space around them to be able to move around easily.
• Placing small rugs on the floor should be avoided.
• Enough lighting in all places and night lights in the bathroom and hallways are a must.
• Light switches should be within easy reach from the bed.
• Avoid using the stairs as much as possible. Hand rails should be there on both sides of the stairs.
• Extension cords and wires on the floor should be avoided as much as possible to prevent chances of tripping over them.
• Walking aids should be placed nearby and within easy reach of the patient.
• Emergency phone numbers, especially of family members or neighbors who may be called if necessary, should be programmed in the mobile phone and land phone for easy accessibility.
• Fire hazards such as heaters, candles or oil lamps should not be around.
• Grip bars should be placed at strategic positions around the house and especially in the bathroom around the toilet, bathtub and shower areas.
• Use non-skid bath mats and a bath chair or stool in the shower.