Your environment
It is not only the physical impacts of Parkinson's Disease that can increase your risk of falls, but also the environment you live in. Your home and set-up within it can create falls risks, and making small adaptations can reduce that risk.
Some basic tips for reducing your risk include:
Clutter and narrow spaces
Having excess clutter or narrow pathways around the house can create a falls risk. Try to keep the floor free of trip hazards and keep walkways open and easy to move around.
Lighting
Dark areas or changes in lighting around the house can be disorientating for someone with Parkinsons. Consider good lighting around the house to make moving around easier to navigate. Sometimes, if falls overnight are an issue, sensor lights or night lights can help keep you orientated and reduce your risk of falls.
Rails or supports
If turning in small areas is problematic such as in your bathrooms, grabrails can help to give you the confidence to turn around safely and reduce your risk of falls. Think about areas around the house you have difficulty, and if having something to hold onto would be beneficial if freezing is an issue.
Easy reach
If your balance is impacted, consider having frequently used objects within easy reach. Avoid having things in low or high cupboards that force you to bend down or reach up.
Freezing prompts
If you find that you freeze in certain areas of the house, such as a doorway or a certain turn, then setting up a cueing point to assist you. See the freezing section for advice on cues to assist. One example of working on a certain area of the house would be to use sticky tape. Place lines of tape on the floor to prompt you to have to step over them. This can help to cue your brain to avoid freezing. This can curve around corners too to help your turning.