Simple Solutions That Make Living with Parkinson’s a Little Easier

Parkinson’s disease introduces challenges into your daily life. Tasks that were once second nature become more complicated when you’re managing symptoms like tremors and dyskinesia. Fortunately, product designers are coming up with simple, adaptive solutions that can make living with Parkinson’s a little easier.

Introducing some adaptive products into your routines might help you to bring autonomy back into your life. I’ve compiled a list of products that were developed to make everyday chores easier for people who struggle with tremors and other symptoms. While my dad, who has Parkinson’s, hasn’t used any of these products yet, some might be helpful for him when he completes his daily tasks.

Keeping meals simple

Liftware products are designed for those with tremors and limited hand and arm mobility. The brand has two main products. One is the Liftware Steady, which is specifically for those with tremors. The electronic handle keeps the attachable fork or spoon steady, allowing the user to enjoy their meals with confidence.

A starter kit costs $195, but the expense might be worth it for the independence that it gives.

Dad loves chicken soup, but tremors make eating it increasingly difficult. The Liftware spoon could provide him with a solution.

Avoiding spills

In a TED Talk, Mileha Soneji shared her mission to find simple solutions that make a significant impact. Inspired by the challenges faced by an uncle who has Parkinson’s disease, she invented the NoSpill Cup. The cup is not yet available, but it is expected to retail for $20.

While spill-proof cups aren’t new inventions, previous designs were created mainly for children. It can be disheartening for someone who has lived an independent life to have to use a product that makes them feel like a child. But the NoSpill Cup aims to give them back their independence.

Similarly, the Kangaroo Cup minimizes spilling while you’re attempting to pick up your drink. Another product, the HandSteady mug, has a rotating handle to make pivoting the cup toward your mouth easier. It’s ideal for someone who struggles with wrist mobility.

Fixtures for your home

Touch lights can be turned on by tapping. Rather than fumbling with a switch in the dark, you merely push the dome of the light to turn it on.

The light costs $12.99 and comes with a timer that you can set to turn off after either one or five minutes.

Luckily, my mom is around to help my dad with awkward light switches. But using a touch light could help him to maintain some independence.

Help with dressing

When Bob Scott became frustrated with his reduced shoulder mobility while dressing, he came up with a solution. His invention — named “Bob’s Flunkey” — is a piece of string attached to a bulldog clip and fastened to a door. It can be clipped to a jacket, for example, allowing the wearer to dress with ease.

As your mobility diminishes, you might find dressing to be increasingly difficult. Bob’s invention is an example of how simple adaptations can make daily tasks easier.

Whether Dad is preparing for his boxing class or getting ready to attend church, a simple solution like Bob’s can help to relieve some of his frustrations with dressing.

Do you have any products or routines that make life easier? Please share in the comments below. 

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.