Hints for Carepartners

Persons with advanced Parkinson’s may not be able to follow common exercise programs due to changes in physical or thinking abilities.  It may work better to work exercises and stretching into the daily routine.  Here are some suggestions.

v    Sitting and reaching for items stretches muscles in the arms and trunk.

v    Standing or marching in place, while holding onto a chair or table, helps improve circulation and flexibility

v    Household chores such as folding laundry, dusting, wiping dishes or helping to prepare meals count as gentle exercise.

v    Playing simple games with children, such as balloon volleyball, playing catch with a large soft ball or blowing soup bubbles counts as gentle exercise.

v    Some people like to move to music.  If balance is a problem, try chair dancing. “Conducting” to the beat of up-tempo music provides both upper body exercise and good emotional therapy!

v    Add a few extra arm and leg motions while dressing.

Useful Websites

www.parkinson.org  The National Parkinson Foundation website which provides a Discussion Corner.  This is the place where you can ask questions about Parkinson disease, connect with Parkinson patients, and caregivers, or simply chat a make friends within the Parkinson community.

http://wemove.org  the We Move™web site is the most comprehensive resource for movement disorder information.

                                                                                                                                                  7/2009