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My Husband’s Having More Difficulty Standing And Keeping His Balance. He’s Also Falling More Often. How Can I Best Provide The Support?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boise, ID
January 15, 2024
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

If he does not choose to excercise, he is chosing to decline.

January 15, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Boxing forces you to keep shifting your weight, which in turn is great for balance. It's hard exercising when you feel like this a lot of the time but it is really important.

January 15, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Has he done physical therapy to work on strength and balance? Encouraging exercise to build strength and taking classes like Rock Steady Boxing, tai chi or yoga can make a difference.

January 15, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you for your suggestions. My husband does have a gait belt, and we use that to help him out of his chair. He would use it when the physical therapist was working with him, but won’t use it now for walking. He also has a walker, but prefers to use a cane. He’s not interested in strength building exercises. The PT suggested Rock Steady Boxing, too, but he’s has no interest. He’s recognizes that he’s having more difficulty, but he’s stubborn about what he will and won’t do. It’s sad and frustrating to see him like this.

January 15, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

To support your husband with his balance issues and prevent falls, consider the following strategies from the knowledge base:

1. Home Adaptations
- Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs.
- Add grab bars in the bathroom.
- Ensure bright lighting throughout the house.
- Add bright tape to the edge of steps.
Show Full Answer

To support your husband with his balance issues and prevent falls, consider the following strategies from the knowledge base:

1. Home Adaptations:
- Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs.
- Add grab bars in the bathroom.
- Ensure bright lighting throughout the house.
- Add bright tape to the edge of steps.
- Clear clutter from walking paths.
- Keep furniture in familiar places to avoid confusion.

2. Walking Aids:
- Use a cane or walker to help maintain balance.

3. Balance-Improving Techniques:
- Practice sit-to-stand exercises with sturdy support.
- Practice stepping side to side next to a table with support.
- Swing both arms while walking.
- Walk to a regular beat, like music or a metronome.
- Consciously lift feet and imagine stepping over a laser.
- Use a “U” technique for turns.
- Move slowly and count to 15 seconds between movements.

4. Physical Therapy:
- Work with a physical or occupational therapist to improve balance and gait.
- Attend sessions with a caregiver to practice recommended exercises at home.

5. Medication Review:
- Talk to the doctor about medication side effects that may affect balance.

6. General Tips:
- Encourage focusing on one task at a time.
- Ensure he moves slowly when standing up, sitting down, or changing positions.

Always consult with your husband’s doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen or making significant changes.

July 13, 2024

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