Living well with Parkinson's disease
Care and support can help Parkinson’s patients and their carers manage symptoms, treatment side effects and risk of falls.
The best care usually brings together well-timed medication, movement and falls-prevention strategies and attention to non-movement symptoms.
Key points
- While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, the right treatments and support can make a genuine difference to your day-to-day comfort, function and quality of life.
- Reaching out for support before things feel overwhelming, can lead to better outcomes and more peace of mind for both you and the people who care for you.
Everyday home, routine and safety support
Careful adjustments to your home and daily routine, even small ones, can make a real difference in how steady, safe and in control you feel. Everyone's needs are different, so it is worth discussing these ideas with your care team to find what suits you best.
- Add non-slip mats or handrails where needed.
- Brighten hallways, stairs and bathrooms with better lighting or night lights.
- Carry a personal alarm or fall-detection device if falls or freezing episodes happen.
- Clear away trip hazards like loose rugs or cords.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Mark steps or doorways clearly if you experience freezing while walking.
- Slightly raise chairs or the beds, so reaching and standing up feels less effortful.
- Supervise, make simpler meals and use automatic shut-off devices to make cooking easier.
- Wear a medical ID or carry a Parkinson's alert card, so your medication timing isn't disrupted if you're ever hospitalised.
- Take medications at the same times each day using a medication organiser, alarm, dosette box or pharmacy Webster-Pak® service to take the mental load off remembering. Keeping an up-to-date list with exact timing also offers real peace of mind.
- Try to keep regular times for meals, activity and sleep. Plan higher-energy activities like outings and exercise for when your medication is working well.
- Gentle, regular movement such as walking, strength work, balance exercises or Parkinson's-specific programs can help you maintain mobility and confidence over time.
- Having early conversations with family or close friends about your wishes and preferences can ease pressure later when symptoms may become more challenging.
- If driving safety comes into question, it's worth talking this through openly with your care team.
- Advance care planning gives you a way to record your health care wishes and choose someone you trust to speak for you if needed.
Carers give so much of themselves and their wellbeing matters just as much as the person they're caring for. Make sure:
- as a carer, if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or unwell, please reach out for carer support and respite sooner rather than later. You don't have to wait until things feel unmanageable
- as a patient, you stay in touch with your GP or specialist about how caring is going for you, including how manageable the medication routine feels
- if there's ever any immediate danger to safety, call Emergency on 000.