Written by Annie Bane, Jill Jumper, Lindsay Spindler, Julie St. John, Donna Walls, Lorraine Wilson, and Pricilla Wyatt
What happens when a team of “-ists” (therapist, kinesiologist, exercise physiologist, public health specialist, etc.) sit down with persons with Parkinson’s to discuss how they can help build a healthy Parkinson’s community? They plan and hold special events, of course, and they speak at local support group meetings. They also chat about the needs of persons with Parkinson’s and what will help them do their activities of daily living (ADLs) and live well each day.
The idea for this list of aids for bathing, sleeping, dining, dressing, mobility, and more grew from seeing a variety of short gift guides during the Christmas holiday. You’ve seen them: the top ten watches, the keenest electronic gadgets, or the must-have toy of the year.
Wouldn’t it be helpful to create a list of items specifically for persons with Parkinson’s and wouldn’t this be good to access all year long? Yes! And what better time to launch this we-love-our-person-with-Parkinson’s list than in February when Valentine’s Day is on the calendar?
There is functional, yet stylish, clothing that makes dressing less stressful. Adaptive apparel helps make living with Parkinson’s more manageable as fine motor skills become more unpredictable over time. There are many options available. Shoes that are easy to put on and take off and come in a variety of styles reduce the stigma of “old people shoes,”, especially for those with young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). Who knew that brands like Nike, Skechers, and Tommy Hilfiger offer inclusive lines of stylish shoes and clothing?
Are you or someone you know chasing food around your plate with little success of moving it from plate to mouth? Modified eating utensils and dinnerware are designed to simplify mealtime by countering the effects of tremors or reduced motor control. It is nice to know there are dining pieces that lengthen the time someone with Parkinson’s can continue to eat independently.
And the gadgets that make day-to-day activities easier are more readily available than you might think. These include walking aids, medication minders, and key finders.
For safety, there is a range of medical alert tags and jewelry to inform first responders and others that you have Parkinson’s. A little time and a relatively small cost can provide peace of mind by alerting them to the fact you have Parkinson’s. This is important for a variety of reasons, particularly medication management and symptom information in an emergency.
There are many Parkinson’s awareness items that are good discussion starters during Parkinson’s Awareness Month (April) and any time of the year. Family, friends, co-workers, and others can honor their person with Parkinson’s by donning an awareness band, bracelet, shirt, etc. Awareness and education are foundational elements in building a healthy Parkinson’s community. So, share the love that goes with this list as you support the persons with Parkinson’s in your life.
Free: Perhaps you are interested in reading one of the first clearly written descriptions of Parkinson’s. “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” by James Parkinson (1817) is a public domain book. You can download it free on your Kindle or via the Kindle App.
Note: If you use PayPal, you can designate Davis Phinney Foundation as your favorite charity and the PayPal Giving Fund will pretty much do the rest! You should notice when you check out using PayPal to make online purchases that the Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF) will be noted as a recipient of a $1 (or more) donation. You can check that DPF is listed as your charity on your PayPal dashboard. You can even create a fundraiser for DPF if you are so inclined.
Disclaimer: We worked to bring variety to this list and have tried many, but not all these items ourselves. Some we heard about from others who tried and liked them. The online links and prices were current at the time of writing. Please note that none of these links are affiliate links and the Davis Phinney Foundation does not receive any financial benefit from sharing this list.
Bathing
Benefit: This hands-free toothpaste squeezer is helpful to persons losing grip strength. It is easy to mount and keep clean.
Description: Wall Mount Bathroom Accessories with Super Sticky Suction Pad. (Black-Grey)
Price: $12.99
Link to purchase: Amazon
Benefit: This hands-free toothpaste squeezer is helpful to persons losing grip strength. It is easy to mount and keep clean.
Description: Wall Mount Bathroom Accessories with Super Sticky Suction Pad. (Black-Grey)
Price: $12.99
Link to purchase: Amazon
Bedding
Benefit:: Many persons with Parkinson’s struggle to turn over in bed. This fitted sheet was designed by a physical therapist specifically for persons with mobility issues. A smooth center panel in the fitted sheet reduces friction, thus making movement easier.
Description: This microfiber fitted sheet features a smooth center panel. The smooth section (100% polyester satin) makes it easier to change positions while in bed. The brushed microfiber edges help you avoid sliding right off the edge of the bed when getting up. The company’s “sleep system” concept combines a Comfort Linen sheet with CL sleepwear to reduce friction even more so turning over is that much easier. Fits mattresses up to 15” deep.
Price: Varies by sheet size and sleepwear size/style. Twin XL $74.95, Dbl $99.95, Queen $119.95, King $139.95, CA King or Split king $149.95. Sleepwear ranges from $60-100. Pillowcases are $29.95 (standard) or $34.55 (king)
Note: Early 2023 – check for “buy one, get one” and free shipping
Link to Purchase: https://comfortlinen.com/pages/comfort-linen-collection
Benefit: Parkinson’s disease has the potential to disturb sleep. One reason is as simple as waking every time you struggle to change position. These silk sheets provide a better sleeping surface for persons with Parkinson’s by reducing friction.
Description: These silk sheet sets are offered in various weights. They are moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic.
Price: Varies by size and silk weight. For example, a queen set begins at $446.
Link:
Clothing
Benefit: Adaptive features such as pull-up loops, magnetic closures/buttons, extended zipper pulls, and wide leg openings help those who are beginning to struggle with dressing.
Description: Shirts, pants, jackets, and dresses are some of the styles available with adaptive features that make getting dressed easier as one loses dexterity, flexibility, and strength.
Price: Will vary
Benefit: Whether you need no help getting dressed or need a little (or a lot) of help, then Silverts has clothing options for you. Their online catalog items marked with a blue A are intended for those who need assistance getting dressed and a green S for those who get dressed by themselves. The adaptive features vary widely.
Description: They have all types of daily wear plus underwear, pajamas, shoes, coats, and accessories.
Price: Will vary
Link: www.Silverts.com
Benefit: For over 40 years, this company has been providing clothing and shoe styles that make dressing easy for as long as possible. Adaptive features include side closures, rear closures, tabs, grab loops, and much more. They provide custom alterations. They will sew in free name labels if that is helpful, such as when persons are in the hospital or live in a facility.
Description: They offer all types of daily wear plus underwear, pajamas, footwear, and coats.
Price: Will vary
Benefit: Persons with Parkinson’s may begin to find it difficult to manage buttons whether due to decreased dexterity, hand strength, or perhaps arthritis. This aid helps with independent dressing.
Description: The device has a soft grip handle with a closed-loop wire that can be hooked around a button in order to pull it through the buttonhole.
Price: $8.90
Link: Button Hook and Zipper Pull One Hand Buttons aids Button Assist Device
Compression Socks
Benefit: Compression socks help with return blood flow for anyone who has poor circulation, a not uncommon issue for persons with Parkinson’s. The Alpaca wool is soft, hypoallergenic, moisture wicking and thermo-regulating.
Added benefit: Each purchase helps donate Pacas socks to a child staying in a local hospital.
Description: The compression level is 12-15mmHG. Made of Alpaca wool. The socks are offered in multiple colors and in packs of 3, 4 or more. Women’s sizes are S/M (US 5-8) and M/L (US 8.5-11.5). Men’s size is M/L (US 7-10).
Price: 3-pack is $55. 4-pack is $71. 6-pack is $96.
Link: www.pacas.com
Benefit: Compression socks help with return blood flow for anyone who has poor circulation, a not uncommon issue for persons with Parkinson’s. The zipper helps with easy on/off. The toeless style is an alternative to a full sock, which is preferred by some persons with Parkinson’s.
Description: The compression level is 12-15mmHG. Made of 75% nylon and 25% spandex. The socks are offered in beige and black. Sizes are S/M, L/XL and XXL.
Price: 3-pack is $55. 4-pack is $71. 6-pack is $96.
Link: Zipper Compression Socks – 2 Pairs Open Toe Compression Stockings for Men Women 15-20mmHg
Benefit: Compression socks help with return blood flow for anyone who has poor circulation, a not uncommon issue for persons with Parkinson’s. Petite sizing helps persons under 5’5” with a shorter calf length find socks that actually fit without reaching mid-knee or thigh.
Description: The compression level is 20-30mmHG. Made of cotton, microfiber and spandex. The socks are offered in multiple colors.
Price: $16.99 (sale price at the time of writing this) up to $49.99.
Benefit: Compression socks are not always easy to put on! That being said, this simple sock aid is worth its weight in gold AND it works for ANY stocking, not just compression socks. Socks can be pulled on independently by persons with limited mobility or stiffness.
Description: Slide your sock over the flexible plastic mold. Use the comfortable handles and adjustable rope to pull the mold over your foot leaving the sock in place.
Price: $14.97
Note: medical compression socks may be prescribed by a physician and are not included here.
Shoes
Benefit: Persons who have difficulty bending over to put on socks and shoes will readily see the benefit of easy on and off with a shoe from Kizik.
Description: These shoes can be slipped on hands free due to the specially constructed heel cup. There are multiple men’s and women’s styles and colors. Available sizes include standard and wide widths. Check out heel and arch support along with cushioning options.
Price: Varies.
Link: www.Kizik.com
Benefit: These shoes allow for independently donning shoes that are otherwise difficult to put on. Slide your toe in and toward the toe box and press your heel down. No hands or bending over is required.
Description: A variety of styles and colors are available. Skechers slip-on shoes feature an exclusive Heel PillowTM that allows you to step into the shoe, press your heel down and the shoe heel rebounds into place – no hands required.
Price: Varies.
Link: Skechers Slip-ins: Ultra Flex 3.0 – Smooth Step
Benefit: Nike’s adaptive shoe line helps folks with limited mobility a little differently than other such shoes on the market. Instead of featuring a “breakdown” heel like other shoes, these actually pivot open between the heel and front of the shoe (note the red mark on the photo or watch the example video below).
Description: These shoes have a breathable fabric structure with a cushioned sole.
Average Price: $120
Link: https://www.nike.com/t/go-flyease-easy-on-off-shoes-6nd2cc/CW5883-400
Benefit: No bending over to put on your footwear is required when using this long shoehorn. It is good for those with stiffness, arthritis, surgery recovery, or simply the wear and tear Parkinson’s adds over time that can make getting dressed difficult.
Description: The shoehorn is 16.5 inches long and helps make it easier to put on shoes and boots.
Price: $5.99
Dining
Benefit: Also known as “Nosey” or “Cut-Out” cups, these drinking cups allow you to drink without tilting your head back. These can be purchased as a set (shown here) or individually by small (1 oz.), medium (2 oz.) or large (7 oz.).
Description: Top rack dishwasher-safe. Sold here in a combo pack that includes 1 small, 1 medium, and 1 large cup (also available separately). The small cup holds about 1 ounce, the medium 2 ounces, and the large 7 ounces
Price: $11.99 set
Benefit: Cut out for the nose to allow drinking without bending the neck or tilting the head and designed to be a comfortable fit for the lips and nose. Translucence allows contents to be seen.
Description: 3-piece set includes 4 oz., 8 oz. and 12 oz. sizes with an opening for the nose allows drinking without lifting the head. Designed with a smooth, molded drinking surface and a transparent design. Dishwasher safe.
Price: $9.89 set
Benefit: Each stainless steel utensil comes equipped with an adult-sized easy-grip handle made of premium material – designed for durability and a dishwasher-safe application. Not only are these styled to shape to your fingers for a more stabilized, wide & textured grip, but they are sculpted with built-in stands to make it easier to pick up when you are ready to use. Fun Fact: Many users believe the true beauty to be displayed in the low profile, midnight black handles that inconspicuously blend in to any table setting.
Description: These utensils offer ergonomic features, weight distribution and support grip handles to offset hand tremors. This stainless-steel set includes a fork, knife, teaspoon, and soup spoon. Dishwasher safe. They weigh 3 ounces each and may be too heavy for certain patients.
Price: $22.85
Benefit: BunMo creates weighted utensils that everyone can continuously enjoy. Our weighted knife, fork, and spoon set are designed to withstand the trials of everyday life. If BunMo’s weighted silverware set doesn’t live up to your expectations, then we’ll bend over backward to make sure you’re a happy customer.
Description: This three-piece set (fork, knife, and spoon) of eating utensils are ergonomically designed, and dishwasher safe.
Price: $35.99
Link: BunMo Weighted Utensils
Benefit: This spoon uses sensor technology to differentiate intentional hand motions from tremors. The system has multiple attachments, including a forkhead. The rechargeable battery lasts for 180 minutes.
Description: 360-degree stabilization solution, offsetting 85% unwanted tremor from the intended movement of your hand. The intelligent high-speed servo control system provides fast and accurate stabilization. Attitude algorithm technology used for UAVs improves its stability level. Automatically distinguishes between intentional hand motion and unconscious tremor, only detecting unconscious tremor
Price: $199.99
Benefit: Scoop plates provide a high rim and a reverse curve on one side aids in scooping food onto a utensil without spilling. The bottom of the dish has a rubber suction base to prevent skidding.
Description: The raised side, curved inner lip and non-slip base of this plate help you get the food from the plate to your mouth without chasing it around and around. Dishwasher top rack. Microwave safe.
Price: $21.95 – 2 pack
Link: https://www.rehab-store.com/p-scoop-plates-and-bowl.html
Benefit: Homecraft Plastic Plate Guard offers a lightweight, versatile plate guard that quickly attaches to any standard dinner plate. This plastic guard clips to the edge of the plate to prevent food from spilling out, helping reduced kitchen mess after eating. It is suitable for young children, the elderly, and the handicapped.
Description: Adaptable to eating aid, and caregiver feeding tool, Suitable for children, babies, toddlers, seniors, and people with disabilities. Dimensions: 9-11″ in diameter and 1-1/8″H. Easy to clean polyethylene, Dishwasher safe to 180°F, Latex free.
Price: $7.19
Link: https://www.rehab-store.com/p-homecraft-plastic-plate-guard.html
Writing
Benefits: Weighted pens help counter any hand tremors and low grip strength seen in persons with Parkinson’s.
Description: Wentur pens help control involuntary movement due to their weight (approximately equal to four AA batteries) and non-slip grip. The wide grip design makes it easy to hold. The pens are 5.12” long. Diameter is 1.18”.
Price: 2 pack is $21.96
Benefit: This Pencil Grip dual-featured ballpoint pen has a patented ergonomic grip and added weight that reduces tremors, improves handwriting, and increases muscle strength. The unique and ergonomic shape of our ball pen provides a comfortable position for fingers, which reduces stress on the fingers, helps the hand to relax, and relieves fatigue while writing. Our smooth writing pens are developed by a doctor and are ideal for individuals with tremors, arthritis, carpal tunnel, Parkinson’s, and those who lack hand strength and other hand health issues.
Description: Developed by doctors. Great for Adults and Children, Righties and Lefties. Weighs approximately 2.9 oz. and includes a Schmidt Parker ink cartridge
Price: $17.40
Mobility
Benefit: Recommended by leading surgeons, physicians, and therapists, our evidence-based ACTIVATOR ℗ Poles were designed by an occupational therapist & gerontologist specifically for rehab and long-term conditions. This unique patented design enhances strengthening, stability, and off-loading with your safety in mind. ACTIVATOR ℗ Poles may be beneficial for pre/post hip knee surgery, soft tissue injuries, Parkinson’s, stroke, MS, chronic pain, cancer rehab, spinal conditions, and older adults. * There are currently 19 independent studies on the ACTIVATOR Poles at hospitals and universities in Canada and the renowned Royal Orthopedic Hospital in London, UK.
Description: Activator walking sticks are adjustable (for persons 4’2” to 6’), durable, and lightweight. They feature multiple tips for different walking surfaces. They were designed by an occupational therapist and gerontologist. The maximum user weight for this style is 250 lbs. Other poles are available for heavier individuals. FSA or HSA eligible.
Price: $114.99
Link: https://urbanpoling.com/post_type_products/urban-poles-activator/
Benefit: Improve posture, balance, stability, and reduce joint strain. Plus, this comes with a lot of cool designs.
Description: Ergonomic handles, adjustable, and collapsible. Aluminum with steel tip. Fits persons 5’4” to 6’6”
Price: $59.99
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TCOJU24/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_51?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t
Benefit: These walking poles offer stability and balance and can help improve posture.
Description: Exel’s durable walking poles are available for heights from 4’ to 6’10”. A one piece shaft is recommended by many therapists and doctors for its stability, but a collapsible pole is available for travel. Multiple tips are available for different surfaces. Hand grips and straps are comfortable.
Price: $99.95 for the carbon pair shown. Range: $79.95-$129.95
Medical Alert Bracelets
Benefit: This bracelet features the standard medical graphic to alert others to the fact that you have a medical condition that they should know about, especially in an emergency.
Description: This is the original MedicAlert design. Free custom engraving for medical information. Helpful to first responders in an emergency.
Price: $27.99
Link: https://www.medicalert.org/medical-id/medical-ids-bracelets
Benefit: This band has an easy-to-read plate to alert others to the fact that you have a medical condition that they should know about, especially in an emergency.
Description: This bracelet is a must-own for anyone with medical needs. Each personalized medic alert wristband features a comfy silicone band that simply stretches over the hand. The ease of use and ability to fit people of all ages make the Stretch Medical ID bracelet an ideal solution for allergies, diabetes, Parkinson’s and more. Every medical alert bracelet comes with a medic alert badge and up to 5 lines of custom text.
Price: $29.99
Link: https://www.roadid.com
Benefit: In addition to its Stretch Medical ID, Road ID offers this faceplate for the band of your Apple Watch.
Description: Fits All Apple Watch Case Sizes (38mm through 45mm) and All Apple Watch Series (1 through 7)
Fits These Apple Watch Bands:
Sport Band (silicone), Solo Loop (silicone), & Braided Solo Loop (nylon)
Price: $29.99
Link: https://www.roadid.com
Benefit: This sturdy and comfortable paracord bracelet holds the medical alert information for use in an emergency.
Description: Choose your color and submit I.D. information when you order.
Price: $19.00
Link: Parkinson’s Disease Paracord Medical Alert Bracelet
Some brands also offer necklaces, etc.
Parkinson's Awareness Clothing and Accessories
Benefit: Help increase Parkinson’s awareness in your community! The more people know and care, the more they are inclined to help the community offer the services and support needed by persons with Parkinson’s.
Description: Braided bracelet with silver/gray faceplate.
Price: $36.95
Benefit: You can help increase Parkinson’s awareness in your community and share four bracelets from this pack so others can help, too! The more people know and care, the more they are inclined to help the community offer the services and support needed by persons with Parkinson’s.
Description: Each bangle is approximately 7.5 inches wide. Flexible with gray ribbons and the words “Parkinson’s Awareness.” With every purchase you make a difference: We Donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Price: $32.95
Benefit: You support independent artists and craftspeople when you peruse Etsy for a variety of Parkinson’s awareness items.
Description: This bracelet features a stainless steel charm on a lightweight, stacked set of threaded bracelets.
Price: $5.00+
Benefit: You can wear this during April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month and all year ‘round. Help people become more aware of Parkinson’s disease.
Description: This shirt comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The design is also available on sweatshirts and more.
Price: $19.99
Link: Be The “I” In Kind Parkinson’s Disease Awareness T-Shirt
Benefit: You can wear this during April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month and all year ‘round. Help people become more aware of Parkinson’s disease. A portion of every sale goes to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Description: This shirt comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The design is also available on sweatshirts and more.
Price: $35.95
Medications
Benefit: The goal is to help persons take their meds on time all the time. It is helpful at home, but is also helpful if you are in the hospital and want to have the nursing staff made clearly aware of your schedule.
Description: This medicine minder uses an audible alarm to remind folks that it is time to take their pills.
Price: $17.99
Link: TabTime Timer, Electronic Pill Reminder with 8 Alarms per Day, Essential for Parkinson’s Patients
Benefit: The goal is to help persons take their meds on time at all times. It is helpful at home but is also helpful if you are in the hospital and want to have the nursing staff made clearly aware of your schedule.
Description: This pill container and alarm is an all-in-one tool to help you take meds on time all day.
Price: $29.99
Benefit: The comfortable, dimpled keywing offers a good grip and allows you to turn keys with ease.
Description: This nylon, key holder helps with color coding and ease of use. These fit flat ‘yale’ type keys.
Price: $14.99
Benefit: Build or refine fine motor coordination, hand function, grip strength and more.
Description: Portable, well-organized box filled with activity options.
Price: $60.00
Benefit: This compact device helps people stand with safe support.
Description: Easy to store and carry. Plastic. Large hand grips.
Price: $73.95
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Standing-Handicap-No-Slip-Capacity/dp/B08TR714FH
Benefit: This compact device helps people stand with safe support.
Description: Easy to store and carry. Plastic. Large hand grips.
Price: $28.43
JOIN OUR PELOTON CLUB
Our educational content is made possible because of the monthly donors in our Peloton Club. Want to become a member and help us continue to create the resources people need to live well with Parkinson’s? Learn more and register to become a member here. (You’ll get a cool gift if you do!) It’s as easy as can be to set it and forget it.