Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease is a journey of both patience and partnership. Some days, your loved one may need a helping hand with everyday tasks. On other days, they may simply need more time and encouragement to work independently. This comprehensive checklist is designed to make daily routines smoother—for both of you—while helping you understand the unique challenges of Parkinson’s care.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: What Caregivers Need to Know
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, affecting approximately one million Americans. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with PD each year—50% higher than previous estimates—and that number is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030. The economic burden of Parkinson’s in the U.S. is estimated at $61.5 billion annually, with medications alone averaging $2,500 per year.
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms gradually worsen over time. The disease primarily affects movement through four hallmark symptoms: tremor (involuntary shaking), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (muscle stiffness), and postural instability (balance problems). However, PD also causes many non-motor symptoms, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, constipation, and cognitive changes.
As a caregiver, understanding these symptoms helps you anticipate challenges and adapt your approach throughout the day. Symptoms often fluctuate—your loved one may move well at certain times and struggle at others, depending on when medications were taken and how they’re feeling that day.
The Reality of Parkinson’s Caregiving
A 2025 study published in the journal Medicine found that informal caregivers of people with Parkinson’s face a significant care burden, particularly those caring for individuals with depression, lower quality of life, or reduced ability to perform daily activities. Research consistently shows that Parkinson’s caregivers are more likely than non-PD caregivers to live with the care recipient (55% vs. 41%) and to be actively providing care (74% vs. 60%).
Female caregivers report higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Caregiver burden is linked to the severity of the patient’s neuropsychiatric symptoms, the impact of motor symptoms on daily activities, and the caregiver’s own mental health. Understanding these realities isn’t meant to discourage you—it’s meant to validate your experience and emphasize why caregiver self-care is essential, not optional.
Morning Routine: Starting the Day Right
Mornings can be particularly challenging for people with Parkinson’s. Many experience significant stiffness and slowness upon waking, before their first medication dose takes effect. Planning ahead and allowing extra time can transform a frustrating morning into a manageable one.
Medication Timing
For many people with Parkinson’s, the day should begin with medication. Levodopa (the most common PD medication) often works best when taken 30 minutes before meals or 1-2 hours after meals. Some neurologists recommend keeping medication and a glass of water at the bedside so your loved one can take it upon waking—then wait 20-30 minutes before getting out of bed. This allows the medication to begin working, making morning movement easier and safer.
✓ Keep medication and water at the bedside — Taking the first dose before getting up allows it to start working while still in bed.
✓ Wait 20-30 minutes after taking medication — Use this time for gentle stretching or light movement exercises while seated.
✓ Follow medication timing consistently — Irregular timing or skipped doses can lead to increased symptoms that may take weeks to stabilize.
✓ Use a large glass of water (at least 10 oz) — Water helps move the medication from the stomach to the small intestine, where it’s absorbed.
Getting Out of Bed Safely
Transitioning from lying down to standing requires careful attention. Have your loved one roll onto their side, push up to a seated position on the edge of the bed, and pause before standing. Both feet should be firmly planted on the floor before attempting to stand. A bed rail or grab bar can provide additional support.
Bathing with Safety and Dignity
The bathroom presents significant safety challenges for people with Parkinson’s. According to the CDC, two-thirds of fall-related emergency room visits are caused by falls in the bathtub or shower. For individuals with PD—where up to 60% experience falls each year—bathroom safety modifications are essential, not optional.
Essential Safety Modifications
• Install grab bars — Have at least two professionally-mounted handrails in bathtubs and shower stalls. Never rely on towel racks, soap dishes, or faucets for support—they aren’t designed to bear weight.
• Use a shower chair or bench — A sturdy shower seat allows your loved one to bathe while seated, reducing fall risk and conserving energy.
• Install a handheld showerhead — This makes rinsing easier and allows for seated bathing.
• Choose showers over baths — Climbing in and out of a bathtub significantly increases fall risk.
• Use rubber-backed mats — Place non-slip mats both inside and outside the shower or tub. Consider thin kitchen rugs instead of thick bath rugs, which can catch feet.
• Keep a phone nearby — Always have a cordless phone, cell phone, or medical alert device accessible in case of a fall.
Bathing Tips
✓ Use pump soap instead of bar soap — Bar soap is difficult to grip and creates a slippery film on the floor.
✓ Install shelves at shoulder-to-knee height — This eliminates dangerous bending to retrieve items.
✓ Address dandruff with appropriate shampoos — Parkinson’s often causes seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Use gentle shampoos containing coal tar or salicylic acid, and rinse thoroughly.
✓ Wrap in an absorbent robe after bathing — This eliminates the need to dry off with a towel, which can be challenging with tremors or stiffness.
✓ Consider bed baths when needed — If mobility becomes severely limited, bed baths maintain hygiene safely. Keep the person covered except for the area being washed.
Grooming Support
Parkinson’s-related rigidity and tremor can make handling toothbrushes, razors, and hair dryers difficult. Small adjustments can help your loved one maintain independence in personal grooming while staying safe.
✓ Sit down for grooming tasks — Brushing teeth, shaving, applying makeup, or drying hair should be done while seated to prevent falls and conserve energy.
✓ Prop elbows on the sink or vanity — This reduces arm fatigue and provides stability during grooming.
✓ Use electric toothbrushes and razors — Electric devices are easier to manage with tremors and reduce the risk of cuts or injury.
✓ Consider a hands-free hair dryer — Mounted or standing hair dryers free up hands and reduce arm fatigue.
✓ Apply soothing lotion instead of aftershave — Aftershave astringents are often too harsh for older or sensitive skin.
✓ When assisting with dental care — Avoid the back of the tongue to prevent gagging. Keep a small towel nearby to help with drooling, which is common in PD.
✓ Trim nails after bathing — Nails are softer and less brittle after a bath, making them easier to cut.
Getting Dressed with Confidence
Dressing can be one of the most frustrating daily tasks for someone with Parkinson’s. Tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia make buttons, zippers, and tight clothing difficult to use. The goal is to encourage independence while removing unnecessary obstacles.
Timing and Preparation
✓ Wait until medications are working — Plan dressing for when your loved one has their best mobility, typically 30-60 minutes after taking medication.
✓ Do gentle stretches before dressing — A few minutes of light stretching can warm up stiff muscles and make dressing easier.
✓ Lay out clothes in order — Arrange clothing in the sequence it will be put on to reduce confusion and decision fatigue.
✓ Sit on a sturdy chair with armrests — Never dress while sitting on the edge of a bed, which can lead to falls.
Clothing Choices
• Choose elastic waistbands — Pants and skirts with elastic are much easier to manage than buttons or zippers.
• Select front-closure bras — These are significantly easier than back-hook styles.
• Use tube socks — They’re easier to pull on than dress socks and don’t require matching.
• Avoid over-the-head garments — Button-front or zip-front tops are much easier to manage.
• Replace buttons with Velcro — A simple sewing modification can preserve favorite clothing while making it easier to wear.
• Avoid rubber-soled shoes — Rubber soles can catch on flooring and contribute to falls. Choose leather or smooth-soled shoes with Velcro or elastic laces.
Adaptive Tools
Consider adaptive tools to make dressing easier, such as long-handled shoehorns, buttonhooks, zipper pulls, sock aids, and dressing sticks. An occupational therapist can recommend specific tools based on your loved one’s needs and teach techniques for effective use.
Important tip: Have your loved one dress the arm or leg most affected by symptoms first. This makes it much easier to maneuver the less-affected limb into clothing.
Mealtime: Nutrition and Medication Considerations
Nutrition plays a critical role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. What your loved one eats—and when—can significantly impact how well their medications work and how they feel throughout the day.
The Protein-Levodopa Connection
Dietary protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, the most common Parkinson’s medication. Both protein (broken down into amino acids) and levodopa use the same transport system to cross from the intestine into the bloodstream and then into the brain. When they compete for these transporters, less medication may get through.
Not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences this “protein effect,” but for those who do, timing matters:
✓ Take levodopa 30 minutes before meals — Or 1-2 hours after eating to maximize absorption.
✓ Consider a protein redistribution approach — Some people save most of their protein intake for the evening meal, when controlling symptoms may be less critical.
✓ Never eliminate protein — Protein is essential for muscle strength and overall health. Work with a doctor or dietitian to find the right balance.
✓ Flush medication with plenty of water — At least 10 ounces helps move the medication quickly to the small intestine for absorption.
Preventing Constipation
Constipation is extremely common in Parkinson’s disease due to the condition’s effects on the autonomic nervous system. It can also impair medication absorption—as one movement disorder specialist notes, “often your medication will not kick in if you have not pooped.”
✓ Include fiber-rich foods daily — Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and bran cereals all help promote regular bowel movements.
✓ Stay well-hydrated — Adequate water intake is essential for fiber to work effectively.
✓ Consider a stool softener — Products like MiraLAX can help produce more regular bowel movements. Avoid bulk fiber laxatives unless drinking significant amounts of water.
✓ Encourage physical activity — Even gentle movement helps stimulate the digestive system.
Supporting Bone Health
People with Parkinson’s face a significantly higher risk of falls and fractures. Building strong bones is crucial:
• Include calcium-rich foods — Low-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt, cheese, fortified milk, spinach, broccoli, and chia seeds at least three times daily.
• Ensure adequate Vitamin D — Necessary for calcium absorption. Ask the doctor about testing Vitamin D levels.
• Consider omega-3 fatty acids — Found in salmon, soybeans, kidney beans, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these healthy fats support overall health.
Managing Swallowing Difficulties
Some people with Parkinson’s develop dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which increases the risk of choking and malnutrition. If swallowing becomes challenging:
✓ Prepare soft, moist foods — Avoid dry, crumbly, or hard-to-chew items.
✓ Consider thickened beverages — These can be easier and safer to swallow than thin liquids.
✓ Serve smoothies — A nutrient-dense smoothie with berries, greens, and nut-based milk provides excellent nutrition in an easy-to-swallow format.
✓ Offer smaller, more frequent meals — If mealtimes are tiring, spreading nutrition throughout the day can help.
✓ Request a swallowing evaluation — A speech-language pathologist can assess swallowing function and recommend specific modifications.
Fall Prevention: A Critical Priority
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, around 60% of people with Parkinson’s disease fall every year, with many experiencing recurrent falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalization and disability in PD, making fall prevention a critical daily priority.
Why People with Parkinson’s Fall
Several PD-related factors increase fall risk: postural instability and balance problems, freezing of gait (sudden, temporary inability to move), bradykinesia (slowness), reduced arm swing while walking, shuffling steps, difficulty turning, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing), and medication “off” periods when symptoms worsen.
Home Safety Modifications
✓ Remove tripping hazards — Clear clutter, loose rugs, and electrical cords from walking paths.
✓ Improve lighting — Install bright lights throughout the home, especially in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms. Use nightlights for nighttime navigation.
✓ Install grab bars strategically — Bathrooms, beside the bed, and along hallways as needed.
✓ Use sturdy furniture — Chairs with armrests and stable bases make sitting and standing safer. Avoid soft, low seating.
✓ Consider visual cues — Blue painter’s tape on the floor can help navigate areas where freezing commonly occurs.
✓ Ensure emergency access — Keep a cell phone or medical alert device accessible at all times.
Managing Freezing of Gait
Freezing episodes can be frightening, but several strategies can help:
• Use auditory cues — Count steps out loud, march to music, or use a metronome.
• Visualize stepping over an obstacle — Imagining stepping over a line can break the freeze.
• Reset by stepping backward — Sometimes taking a small step back with the frozen foot helps restart movement.
• Reduce distractions — Look forward rather than down at the feet, and minimize multitasking while walking.
• Be aware of triggers — Freezing often occurs when turning, approaching doorways or narrow spaces, or during “off” medication periods.
The Power of Exercise
There are no medications that slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Exercise, however, not only slows PD progression but can also maintain and improve mobility, flexibility, and balance. Research shows regular exercise can improve symptoms and enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways.
Physical and occupational therapists with experience in Parkinson’s can provide personalized exercise programs targeting balance and mobility, strategies for managing freezing and other PD-specific challenges, and recommendations for appropriate mobility aids. Specialized programs like LSVT BIG and PWR! Moves are specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s.
Encouraging Activity and Joy
Physical limitations don’t have to limit fulfillment. Maintaining engagement in meaningful activities supports both physical function and emotional well-being.
✓ Adapt favorite hobbies — Use special grips for painting, ergonomic tools for gardening, or adaptive equipment for other beloved activities.
✓ Find related alternatives — If playing an instrument becomes too difficult, your loved one might enjoy listening to music, attending concerts, or learning about music history.
✓ Encourage stress-reducing activities — Music therapy, guided imagery, meditation, and gentle yoga can help ease tremors and promote relaxation.
✓ Promote facial exercises — Parkinson’s can cause facial masking (reduced expression). Encourage singing, reading aloud with exaggerated mouth movements, or making silly faces to maintain facial muscle function.
✓ Consider therapeutic activities — Dance classes designed for PD, boxing programs like Rock Steady Boxing, tai chi, and swimming have all shown benefits for people with Parkinson’s.
Toileting Support
Incontinence and bathroom difficulties are common in Parkinson’s disease. These strategies can help:
✓ Install an elevated toilet seat — A raised seat or sturdy toilet frame provides stability and makes standing easier for those with leg weakness.
✓ Establish a regular bathroom schedule — Going every two hours, even without urge, can help prevent accidents.
✓ Limit fluids before bedtime — Stop drinking fluids two hours before bed to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.
✓ Avoid caffeine — Coffee, tea, and cola can worsen urinary urgency and frequency.
✓ Practice double voiding — Wait a few minutes on the toilet after urinating, then try again to ensure the bladder is completely emptied.
✓ Keep the bathroom lit at night — Use nightlights or leave the light on to make nighttime trips safer.
✓ Consider incontinence products — Pads, shields, or protective underwear can provide peace of mind. These are available at most drugstores.
✓ Watch for urinary tract infections — Frequent, urgent urination with burning pain can indicate an infection requiring antibiotics. Contact the healthcare provider promptly.
Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver
Research consistently shows that Parkinson’s caregivers face elevated risks of depression, anxiety, physical health problems, and social isolation. Caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
✓ Accept help — When family, friends, or neighbors offer to help, say yes. Keep a list of specific tasks they could do.
✓ Take regular breaks — Even brief respites help prevent burnout. Consider respite care services for longer breaks.
✓ Stay connected — Isolation increases caregiver burden. Maintain friendships and social activities whenever possible.
✓ Join a support group — Connecting with other Parkinson’s caregivers provides emotional support and practical advice from those who truly understand.
✓ Prioritize your own health — Keep your own medical appointments, eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.
✓ Seek professional support — A counselor or therapist can help you process the emotional challenges of caregiving.
✓ Consider professional home care — In-home caregivers can provide assistance with daily tasks, giving you the break you need while ensuring your loved one receives quality care.
References
- Parkinson’s Foundation. (2025). Statistics on Parkinson’s Disease.
- Wu J, et al. (2025). Factors associated with higher caregiver burden among informal caregivers of Parkinson’s patients. Medicine, 104(4).
- Parkinson’s Foundation. (2024). Fall Prevention in Parkinson’s Disease.
- American Parkinson’s Disease Association. (2024). Levodopa Food Interactions.
- Parkinson’s Foundation. (2025). Bathing and Grooming in Parkinson’s Disease.
A Final Word of Encouragement
The hands-on parts of caregiving—grooming, dressing, meal prep, and mobility support—can be physically and emotionally demanding. But they’re also deeply personal, shared moments that can strengthen your bond with your loved one.
Whenever possible, let your loved one lead. Supporting their independence, even in small ways, helps preserve dignity and fosters a sense of purpose. And always remember—you’re not in this alone.
We’re Here to Help
At All Heart Home Care, we offer expert, compassionate support for families navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s disease in San Diego. As a veteran-owned, nurse-led agency serving San Diego County since 2014, we understand the unique demands of Parkinson’s care—from morning medication routines to fall prevention, mobility support, and caregiver respite.
Whether you need daily assistance or just a little extra support now and then, our trained caregivers can help with bathing and grooming, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, mobility and fall prevention, companionship and engagement, and respite care for family caregivers.
Call All Heart Home Care today at (619) 736-4677 for a free consultation. Let us help you care for your loved one while you take care of yourself. Together, we can ensure that every day brings dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
