Home Safety

• Remove clutter to decrease risk of tripping and falls, such as rugs.
• Make sure floors are stable with non-skid surfaces. Avoid excessive patterns.
• Ensure all furniture is secure, sturdy and does not swivel. Chairs should be stable, have arm rests and adequate seat height to make standing up easier.
• Create good lighting throughout the home to minimize dark or shadowy areas. Adjust blinds and shades to minimize glare.
• Create wide walking paths for easy access and the use of a walker or wheelchair, if needed.
• Keep all electrical cords out of the way so as to not become a tripping or fall risk while walking and moving.
• Install smoke alarms in all rooms (especially bedroom and kitchen), with fully charged batteries.

• Raise bed height to allow feet to touch floor when seated at bedside.
• Use a half side rail or bed pole to help with rolling and getting up.
• Make lighting easily accessible, to avoid walking around the room in the dark.
  • Place lamps where they can be easily turned on and off.
  • Use a bright nightlight to fully light the way to the bathroom.
  • Place a flashlight by your bed in case of a power outage.
• Make a bedside commode or urinal available for nighttime use if needed.
• Place clothing rods at an easy-to-reach height, ensure the closet is well-lit and clothes are in dressers that allow access without stooping or bending.
• Use smooth carpets and rugs to create a safe walking surface and minimize falls.
• Place a telephone and clock on the nightstand for easy nighttime access.
• Place slippery fabric or a draw sheet on the middle third of the bed to make rolling easier.
• Remove the top sheet. Instead, use a lightweight comforter.
• Avoid flannel sheets and nightwear.

Most falls take place in the bathroom because of difficulty getting on and off the toilet and in and out of the tub; difficulty seeing due to poor lighting; slipping on wet surfaces; tripping on throw rugs; or getting dizzy while standing up from the toilet.

Make sure the following safety measures are in place, and check the Bathing & Grooming page for more details.

• Install grab bars near the toilet, tub and shower: no location should require use of towel racks, faucets or soap dishes as grab bars.
• Ensure the toilet has an elevated seat and arm rests or grab bar within easy reach.
• Add a sturdy bench with back support to the tub or shower for safety.
• Make seating available to perform tasks such as brushing teeth or shaving.
• Place light switches near the door to avoid walking into a dark area.
• Keep floors unwaxed and debris free.

Cooking is often a multi-step process. People living with Parkinson’s may have difficulty safely managing kitchen tasks. Balance changes can make opening refrigerator and oven doors harder and falls can occur when trying to reach high shelves or carry objects from counter to table. Try these tips to use your kitchen in a safe, manageable way.

• Install cabinet handles rather than knobs to make it easier to open and close cupboard doors.
• Store commonly used items in easily accessible drawers to avoid the need to reach or bend over to find them.
• Place items used for cooking, such as spices, pots and pans, near the stove to avoid reaching over the stove, which may cause burns.
• Use a single handle sink faucet, which is easier to control and turn on and off.
• Grab items on high shelves with a long-handled reacher.

• Keep steps clutter free.
• Steps should be non-skid surfaces, in good shape and can be blocked for safety if needed.
• Ensure that there is adequate lighting on steps.
• Install handrails on at least one side of the steps. Handrails two to three inches from the wall permit good grasp.
• If you cannot use a walker, cane or mobility aid on the steps, make sure you have two: keep one at the bottom of the stairs and one at the top of the stairs.
• Install a ramp over the steps when possible if you cannot safely climb steps.
• Put brightly colored tape on the top and bottom steps to signal the beginning and end of the steps.

• AARP HomeFit Guide: A free publication that features smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages
• Find your local Area Agency on Aging