Living Alone

As a person living alone with Parkinson’s, your day-to-day experience is different from someone who lives with a spouse or care partner. Remember that each person with PD manages the disease in their own way, and that you and your experience are valid.

Living alone with PD offers a sense of independence, but it may also feel isolating. Resources like AARP’s Connect2Affect assessment are available to help identify symptoms of social isolation.

• Family
• Friends
• Neighbors
• Coworkers
• Therapist/counselor
• Medical team
• Support group
• Faith community

Pets can also provide support. Pets can be registered as an emotional support animal, which can help ease anxiety and provide therapeutic support in public places.

• Join a support group. Support groups allow you to share your experiences and engage with the PD community. Many support groups now offer virtual meeting options. Call our Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) to find a support group near you and join PD Conversations, our online network of support.
• Talk with others. PD Solo Network is a virtual network for people with PD who live alone, by choice or circumstance. Join this network to build your community of support, share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions and resources.
• Volunteer or tutor. Search VolunteerMatch to find opportunities to share your skills with others.
• Attend a Parkinson’s Foundation webinar. Register for a Wellness Wednesday event to gain strategies for living well with PD, and get the latest updates on Parkinson’s research and care.
• Get involved in your local community. Attend a town meeting or an event hosted by your local library.
• Participate in an online exercise class. Our Fitness Friday series provides free, at-home workouts designed for people with Parkinson’s.
• Reach out to a chat service. Chat services like Well Connected allow you to engage in friendly conversation and build social connections.

One benefit of living alone is the ability to organize your own space. Place essential items where you can easily see and access them, so you can find what you need when you need it.

Use the Parkinson’s Foundation Home Safety Considerations checklist to ensure your home is safe and easily accessible. You may also request a Home Safety Evaluation from your doctor.

This multi-purpose tool can help assist you with opening jars or bags.

Schedule commitments around the times of day when you typically feel your best. Identify how many tasks you can usually accomplish on a “good” day or a “bad” day to avoid over-scheduling. Set timers for your medications so you remember to take them on schedule.

Ask for help with challenging tasks. Even if you are able to take care of yourself, shifting some responsibility can help you save energy for things you enjoy, like hobbies or social interaction. Keep a list of people who you know are willing to help.

These wearable devices can bring help quickly in an emergency.

If you are unable to drive or need transportation assistance, research transportation options in your area such as busses, trains, subways, taxis or ride sharing companies.