Make it clearly to patients that Parkinson's Disease is not a shameful disease. This will reduce the uneasiness for the patients.

It is very crucial for family members to prevent patients from aspiration pneumonia and falling. Patients tend to move slowly due to body stiffness and are prone to losing balance while walking, getting up and/or changing postures, resulting in falling easily. Patients are also prone to choke while eating and drinking, which may lead to severe aspiration pneumonia.

Avoid Falling and Injuries

Patients with Parkinson's Disease usually lean forward while walking and legs can freeze suddenly, which cause them to fall easily. There should not be uneven surface, wet slippery floor or random rugs in the house. The doorsills should be removed if possible. Avoid tables or furniture with sharp corners. Place expensive accessories, vases and lamps at appropriate location. Limit the use of stairs. Install handrails on the walls if possible.

Have Spare Time

It will take patients longer to brush teeth, get dressed, eat, and bathe. Family members can remind patients to start early and they will not be in a rush and become anxious. Besides, patients get tired easily; thus, they should adjust their workload, too.

Meals and Foods

Avoid letting patients dine alone. Some customized utensils (such as larger handles) are helpful. There is no specific diet restriction for patients with Parkinson's disease; a balanced diet is the most important. Change the consistency of food to easy to chew or semi-solid material if choking occurs.

Oral Hygiene

Patients with Parkinson's Disease might not be able to brush their teeth very well. It is helpful to use floss and electric toothbrushes.

Toilet

Toilet with elevated seat can prevent patients from sitting back. Install handrail on the wall can help patients get up easily.

Clothing

Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Avoid clothes with buttons. Adjust the indoor temperature in the winter to avoid putting on too much clothes in the house.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Stretching exercise is recommended for patients to loosen up joints and enhance muscle strength. Balance training or Qigong is also beneficial. Patients are prone to losing balance and falling; therefore, family members should accompany the patients to prevent falling, especially for seniors who are prone to fracture when falling. Adjust the intensity of training according to their physical fitness.

Many exercise guide booklets are available for patients to exercise at home. Physical therapists can also instruct family members to assist patients with simple movements at home.