Essential Products for Living with Parkinson's Disease of 2024

If you have Parkinson's disease or care for someone who does, it's vital you have access to tools that make your life easier. As the disease progresses, it's normal to experience a wide range of symptoms, including constipation, mobility issues, and tremors.

Even though Parkinson's affects everyone differently, there are various products designed to help caregivers and their loved ones. Below, we've highlighted some of the best sellers in our Parkinson's Awareness Collection.

1) Medline Toilet Safety Rail

As Parkinson's progresses it affects the dopamine-producing cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine plays a vital role in coordination and movement. Eventually, the lack of dopamine production affects posture and mobility, increasing the risk of a slip and fall.

The toilet safety rail from McKesson provides peace of mind and encourages independence. You can adjust the height and width while sitting on or standing in front of the toilet. It's made of lightweight aluminum and supports users who weigh up to 300 pounds.

Key benefits and features:

• Flexible spending account (FSA) eligible

• Includes a mounting bracket and screws

• Weight capacity of 300 pounds

CLICK HERE to learn more about the McKesson Toilet Safety Rail

2) Mediplanner Pill Organizer

Currently, there are 13 prescription drugs that treat symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The type of medication your doctor prescribes depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you're allergic to certain ingredients.

Regardless of the type of Parkinson's medicine you take, it's important to stay organized. If you don't follow your physician's instructions and take your medications at the same time each day, they won't work as well. That's where a pill organizer comes in handy.

Key benefits and features:

• Capable of organizing up to four medications per day (i.e. levodopa or apomorphine)

• 28 accessible compartments for easy storage and transport

• Holds pill for different times and days of the week

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Mediplanner pill organizer

3) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) - Hip/Knee Equipment Kit

This ADL kit is manufactured and curated by the folks at FabLife. Anyone recently diagnosed with Parkinson's is sure to benefit. The kit includes several items, including a sock/stocking aid designed to help guide socks over the heel; a shoehorn; a hand-held reacher bar (for grabbing objects); and a bath sponge with a handle.

Having these items makes daily activities like bathing and dressing easier. The kit may even support the work that your loved one is doing in physical therapy.

Key benefits and features:

• Four items in one kit

• Only $30.99

• The hand-held reacher bar is 26", encouraging independence and mobility

CLICK HERE to learn more about the ADL - Hip/Knee equipment kit

4) Spillproof drinking cup by Fabrication Enterprises

A loss of neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, causes Parkinson's. These cells help produce dopamine, a chemical responsible for a wide range of bodily functions.

When the brain stops producing dopamine, it causes tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. As a result, many patients with Parkinson's need occupational or physical therapy. Rehab can enhance muscle strength and coordination, but accidents may still occur. Enter the spillproof drinking cup.

Key benefits and features:

• Has an ergonomic J handle that's easy to hold

• Dishwasher safe

• Won't spill when turned upside down

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Spillproof drinking cup by Fabrication Enterprises

5) Alimed weighted-handle fork

As Parkinson's worsens, you might experience muscle tremors. Though a normal part of the disease's progression, these tremors make eating difficult.

This weighted-handle fork by Alimed features a design that makes grasping and holding the utensil easy. The augmented ridges and slightly weighted handles improve stability, allowing you (or your care recipient) to eat confidently.

Key benefits and features:

• Dishwasher safe

• Designed for people with Parkinson's disease

• Allows for hassle-free meals and snacks

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Alimed weight handle fork

6) DMI wooden small button aid

Movement disorders, like Parkinson's disease, slowly take away your ability to perform fine motor skills. Eventually, that makes once simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt or zipping a jacket, nearly impossible. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain your independence, such as this small button aid from DMI.

Key benefits and features:

• Makes frustrating daily tasks easy and pain-free

• 5/8" in diameter

• Capable of buttoning shirts, pants, and jackets

• The opposite end features a zipper tool

CLICK HERE to learn more about the DMI wooden small button aid

7) TENA ProSkin bathing glove wipes

We're closing out our list of essential products for Parkinson's disease with these bathing glove wipes from TENA. As you know, movement disorders make bathing a challenge. If you don't have the energy or flexibility for a traditional shower, these soft and pre-moistened wipes provide the next best thing.

Benefits and features:

• Comfortable

• Convenient

• Leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean

• Gloves can be microwaved for enhanced comfort

Have questions? We've got answers!

These are just a few of the products we carry to help people with Parkinson's. If you have questions about any of the items featured, please reach out to our friendly Care Specialists. Send an email to support@carewell.com or call (800) 696-CARE.