Products that make living with Parkinsons easier??

11 years ago

Hi Kids,

I have an issue that I think some of you can help me with. My Sister-in-law has Parkinson's. She is at the point in her disease that she is having a difficult time getting things into and out of her pocketbook and her wallet. I know she is not the only one to have issues with fine motor control. If any of you can point me in the right direction where I might find, easy open - easy to see into products for these types of issues I would greatly appreciate it. Parkinson's disease is frustrating enough without having to fumble with your money and pocketbook every time you go shopping.

Thanks, Kids.

sooey

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Comments (14)

alisande
11 years ago
Chances are you'll find good ideas at the KT, but if not, you might check this website:

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation

It has a section on Living with Parkinson's that might be helpful.

I've seen a catalog of items to help people who have diminishing dexterity, but at the moment I can't remember the name of the company. ;-/
sooey
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you, Susan. I have looked at the PD website but Now I can't be 100% sure I looked in every corner. I'll go back and check again.
Now that you mention a catalog with special 'adaptive type' items, I remember it. But, like you I can't remember the name. It seems that I have seen it arriving in my Moms mailbox and I think I remember it being delivered in August. I have no idea why I have such a memory. As I remember it had special bras, items for those who were incontinent, etc. I will search it out but first I need to think of a connecting thread to follow. I will find it.
Thanks, Susan. You have given me a direction.
sooey
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socks
11 years ago
I found a couple companies which claim to have products to help people with Parkinsons. A lot of it looked just like products aimed at arthritis sufferers. Here's one:

http://www.elderstore.com/parkinson-s-household_281.aspx

Healthboards.com has a forum for just about any disease, disability, condition or situation you could think of. The link to the parkinsons board is below. I've joined the boards, an they don't bother you with emails or anything like that. You could ask there for suggestions from people who might give you some good ideas.

How kind to help your SIL. It has to be so scary for her to face this horrid disease.

Here is a link that might be useful: Health Boards
kathleen44
11 years ago
Can't you just phone them and ask them what you use to order for your sil's issues she has?
sushipup1
11 years ago
She would probably get a lot of benefit from a PD support group. People share what works, what doesn't. Contact the closest PD office for information. I am a great believer in the strength of people in groups to share all sorts of information.
pam_25f
11 years ago
Try googling adaptive clothing and see where that takes you. Also www.goldviolin.com
sooey
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks, socks, I will try the elderstore.com. that makes total sense to me; makes me hopeful to find possibilities. I followed Susan's suggestion and I have been searching for catalogs. I have found several and many that I have saved to my bookmarks for later use. I am sure that something is out there...even if I have to come up with a design myself. It does not have to be big, fancy or even completely fashionable. It just needs to hold her money, a few credit cards, be easy to open and be light enough in color on the inside that all does not get lost in a black hole. Easy Velcro, no zippers.
Thanks for the link to the health boards. I should be able to find some contacts there. As I said in my OP, she is not the only one out there having these issues. There must be an answer.
Thanks for your suggestions and your help.
sooey
sooey
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone!

Pam, the first thing I did was google adaptive clothing and personal products. Lots of clothing but not much else but, I will keep looking.

sushipup, she is a founding leader of two local PD support groups. She runs PD patient support, dance group, exercise group as well as a support group for care givers. she is fully involved. I'm not sure if this exact issue has every come up. She may want to begin a discussion in group. Thanks for that suggestion.

I think what bothers me the most is that we are seeing some progression in her disease. I can't make it go away but I can try to make it easier for her.

Thanks, All.

sooey
sushipup1
11 years ago
Sooey, good for her! And yes, it's a perfect topic for discussion in her group. She's not the only one, I am sure!
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
One of my handbags has a magnetic closure and it's very handy to get in and out of.

My mother used to keep cash and credit cards, a lipstick, pen, etc. in one of those soft, open ended reading glasses holders. Seems like it had a hinge closure that kept anything from falling out.
sooey
Original Author
11 years ago
Sushipup ~ I asked my SIL last night if they had ever had a discussion in any of her groups about adaptive products for PD, what works and what does not. She said they have not but she will plan it out and bring it up. I offered to make a list of the websites I have found for her to share. They have all degrees of abilities and disabilities in their groups. Sadly, they welcome more and more people who are new to the diagnoses all the time. Information should always be available and updated when new ideas come around.

My SIL is a former tap dancer and one of the original Jackie Sorenson aerobics instructors from way back in the day. She is doing her best to carry on and do what she is still able to do. It's getting hard and the kicker is, she just turned 67.

So tanks, sushipup and All. That and, Parkinson's SUCKS!

sooey
sooey
Original Author
11 years ago
rhizo ~ good suggestion! I fell asleep last night thinking of designs and 'must haves' re: a wallet. It seems simple and should be easy to make. Magnets might work better than Velcro. Thank you!

sooey
sooey
Original Author
11 years ago
rhizo ~ good suggestion! I fell asleep last night thinking of designs and 'must haves' re: a wallet. It seems simple and should be easy to make. Magnets might work better than Velcro. Thank you!

sooey
sjerin
11 years ago
I didn't read the whole thread, so pardon me if it's been mentioned. I used to get a few things from Maxi Aides for an elderly friend who couldn't see.

Here is a link that might be useful: Maxi Aides

Products that make living with Parkinsons easier??

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