Adapting your home

Adapting your home can sometimes make life easier. This can range from small changes, such as putting in hand rails, to widening doorways and installing ramps for a wheelchair, or putting in a downstairs shower or toilet if climbing stairs becomes difficult.

An occupational therapist can assess your needs and make suggestions, and you may be able to apply for funds to pay for the equipment or adaptations you need.

Many people with Parkinson's disease are worried about falling. These are some simple things to make your home safer:

• Rearrange furniture and rugs so there's nothing you can trip over. Fix loose carpets and make sure there are no trailing electric leads
• Have grab rails fitted around the house, for example, by stairs, bath or shower
• Put a non-slip mat in your shower or bath. Consider a bath seat and grab rail
• Install brighter lighting. This can make moving around much safer