For people with Parkinson’s disease, day-to-day tasks can present unique challenges. With a few modifications, however, activities like cooking, getting ready, and writing notes become simpler. If you or someone you know struggles with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, here are some practical tips for minimizing hassles throughout your daily routine.

5 Ways for People With Parkinson’s to Make Daily Life Easier

1. Plan & Prepare Meals in Advance

Making multiple meals at once can streamline the prep, cooking, and cleaning activities for the week. Cook lunches and dinners that you can reheat with ease, such as soup and chili. To minimize cleanup, perform activities like pouring and mixing over the sink.

2. Simplify Hygiene

Shaving, showering, and other aspects of your getting-ready routine can be challenging. A few adjustments can make the process easier, such as using a shower chair, choosing shower brushes with long handles, and installing a shower head with a hose. These can help alleviate the hassles of daily hygiene.

3. Give Yourself Periods of Rest

Avoid overwhelming yourself with back-to-back errands or appointments. Scheduling periods of rest throughout the day lets you recover from one activity before moving onto the next, aiding in energy conservation. Short naps may help, too, but avoid sleeping too much during the day, as it could make it more difficult to achieve ample rest at night.

4. Perform Short Bouts of Exercise

Staying active is important to controlling symptoms, such as balance and gait issues. Take short walks, climb the stairs, and dance to a favorite song to get some activity in without causing too much fatigue. Remember to ask your doctor if this is okay before engaging in any new routine. 

5. Use Dictation on Your Devices

Motor impairment can make it challenging to text, write emails, or compose notes. When you need to perform these tasks quickly, use the dictation feature on your smartphone to set reminders or compose messages. However, continue to challenge yourself to use your motor functions on occasions when you have a little more time.

If you’re seeking more resources for coping with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, contact Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s. Based in Hartford County, CT, this charity organization provides educational resources, patient group collaboration, and support for individuals seeking clinical trial participation. Discover more updates from the organization by visiting their website. Call (860) 266-6040 to speak directly with a volunteer.