Reducing Fall Risks for People Living with Parkinson's:The Importance of Safe Home Environments

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It typically develops gradually, with symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. These symptoms can increase the risk of falling, which is a significant concern for people with Parkinson's disease.

According to the Parkinson's Foundation, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among people with Parkinson's disease, and over 60% of people with Parkinson's disease fall each year. These falls can cause injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and even death. In addition to the physical harm, a fall can also have a significant impact on Parkinson's treatment and management.

People with Parkinson's disease are 4x more likely to experience a fall than those without the disease.

- Parkinson's Foundation

Understanding the link between Parkinson's and fall risk

There are several factors that contribute to the increased risk of falls in people with Parkinson's disease:

  • Gait and balance impairment: Parkinson's disease can cause gait and balance problems, which increase the likelihood of falls. Studies have found that people with Parkinson's disease take shorter steps, have slower walking speeds, and spend more time with both feet on the ground while walking, which can lead to balance problems.
  • Medications: Parkinson's medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and hypotension, which can contribute to falls.
  • Cognitive impairment: Parkinson's disease can cause cognitive impairment, including difficulties with attention and executive function, which can increase the risk of falls.
  • Visual impairment: Parkinson's disease can cause visual impairment, including difficulty with depth perception, which can contribute to falls.

The impact of falls on treatment

A fall can have serious consequences for someone with Parkinson's disease. Here are some ways in which a fall can worsen Parkinson's treatment:

  • Reduced mobility: A fall can result in reduced mobility, making it more difficult to engage in physical activity, which is important for managing Parkinson's disease.
  • Increased disability: A fall can lead to an increased level of disability, which can make it more difficult to perform daily activities and maintain independence.
  • Delayed recovery: Recovery from a fall injury can be slow and challenging, which can delay Parkinson's treatment and recovery.
  • Increased healthcare utilization: A fall injury can result in hospitalization, which can increase healthcare utilization and costs.

How can people living with Parkinson’s reduce their risk of falls?

Fortunately, there are several steps that people with Parkinson's disease can take to reduce their risk of falls. Here are some suggestions:

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can improve balance, gait, and strength, reducing the risk of falls.
  • Medication management: Parkinson's medications should be carefully managed to minimize side effects such as dizziness and hypotension.
  • Home safety modifications: DwellSafe can help reduce environmental risks by identifying risk factors such as lighting and tripping hazards, and pinpointing areas in need of added assistive integrations such as handrails and grab bars.
  • Vision exams: Regular vision exams can identify visual impairments that may contribute to falls.
  • Exercise: Exercise can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.

Falls are a serious concern for people with Parkinson's disease, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. At DwellSafe, we specialize in identifying and addressing fall risks in the homes of people with Parkinson's disease. Our platform and team of clinical safety specialists make it easy to identify risks and implement a set of personalized recommendations proven to prevent falls.

Don't let the fear of falling affect your quality of life and Parkinson's disease management. Contact DwellSafe today to learn how we can help create a safer environment for you or your loved one.

Reach out to learn how DwellSafe can support those living with Parkinson's.

Reach out to learn how DwellSafe can support those living with Parkinson's.

Please fill out the form below. We look forward to conectng with you.