Holiday Giving Guide: Parkinson’s Edition
By Sherri Woodbridge
The holidays are around the corner and everyone wants to find the “perfect gift”. Caregivers, family members, and friends can feel at a loss when it comes time to get a gift for a person with Parkinson’s. Here are some great ideas, so get ready to shop!
Electronic Reader: There are times I want to sit down to read a good book and push that idea aside for a time, as my fingers don’t want to hold a book and if I take control, they’ll fight me by cramping up. To be able to just hold a small object and scroll down as you read is extremely helpful. While you’re at it, tuck in a gift certificate to cover their first book purchase.
Speaking of books… Audio books are still around and are a great alternative to a reading tablet or bulky books. Most people have a CD player and there are many great books out there to choose from.
Chair Organizer: You can either make or shop for this gift. With your loved one feeling less like getting out as their disease progresses (or even up), this is a great idea to keep things close at hand.
Special Grab Stick: This is a stick with some grabber thing-a-ma-jig at the end, so you don’t have to bend over to pick things up. I found a little cheap one at the dollar store that worked just fine. For serious use, you might want to dig a little deeper and get one that will last once your grandchildren find it!
PD-friendly Wallet: If you have Parkinson’s or know someone who does and have been shopping with them, you know the frustration they feel when they are not up to par and their fingers refuse to work as they shuffle through their wallet looking for payment. Shop around with them (or without if you know them very well) to find a wallet that will be PD user-friendly.
Night Light: It may seem silly or insignificant, but a night light is more than just an idea for a gift – it’s a necessity for someone who lives at home with PD. You don’t have to move the furniture to lose your bearings; people who live with PD not only lose their bearings more easily, but their ability to fall is greatly increased and getting up at night without at least a night light is asking for trouble. And there are so many different ones to choose from nowadays!
Chocolate: It isn’t just any old chocolate I’m suggesting. Have you heard of the medicinal benefits of dark chocolate? It’s true. Research has shown that chocolate is linked with improved blood flow to the brain and better scores on memory and thinking skill tests for seniors. So, how about a gift certificate to your local chocolate shop or a few bars of good, quality chocolate. Dark chocolate - it’s not just for Valentine’s Day anymore!
Flexible Walking Stick: I was watching a commercial the other day and it was about this gadget called ‘the Flex-Stick’ walking cane. This flexible walking stick provides more dynamic stability and comfort and is designed with physics and geometry to ‘flex’ throughout a normal walk cycle, increasing mobility, reducing the risk of falls, and allowing you to walk better. Find one with three legs to maintain constant contact with the ground surface. As each leg flexes, it provides much more stability and support than a traditional walking cane.
Activities: I used to volunteer at an adult daycare at our local hospital. I was comfortable there and actually fit right in. Many of the patients had PD and we just trembled together. I loved that group of people and they seemed to enjoy their days there. Why not check out something in your area for your loved one to go one afternoon a week or so? You will both get a much needed break. Or, if you’re a friend of a caregiver, consider this gift to give your friend a break.
Dance: There’s a lot of hubbub lately about the benefits of music and dance in the life of a person with Parkinson’s. Dance has been known to reduce tremors without any medication adjustments. You could consider taking your PD’er to a dance class as your partner and offer them some great exercise/health benefits at the same time. Or, buy a dance DVD and enjoy the benefits of movement in the comfort of your own home.
Sherri Woodbridge lives with Parkinson’s and regularly blogs about her experience with the disease (www.parkinsonsjourney.com).
This content was published in the Winter 2014 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.