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Product in Focus: Parkinson's Essentials

28 April 2023

Assistive technology (AT) is anything that supports or lets you do that which you can’t do/or can no longer do yourself. AT can be simple, like a pair of reading glasses, to the more complex, such as a communication program that supports speech, and everything in between. 

Assistive Technology doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to be effective – sometimes the simplest items can make a huge difference…. like these Parkinson’s essentials.  

We recently partnered with Parkinson’s WA to survey those with the condition on what assistive technology they use, and these are some of the essential daily products that they use around the house and in the community.

Living Room

Electric Recliner/Lift Chair 

Comfortable and easy to use, electric recliners and lift chairs make sitting down and standing up more accessible with remote control recline and standing support. 



Book Stand 

Handy for books, tablets, and kindles, book stands can help you avoid strain on your hands, wrists, and eyes. 

Suggested solution: Book Stand


 

Over Chair Table 

Bring the desk to you with an easily movable and adjustable table that can slide over your chair or bed. 

Suggested solution: Aspire Overbed Table 


 

Smart Lamp 

Easily controlled by an app on your phone via Wifi or Bluetooth, smart lamps allow you to adjust the brightness and colour of the light in your house at the touch of a button. 



 

Remote Control Blinds 

Greeting a new day or settling in for the night can be much quicker and more accessible via these motorised curtains that you can open or close via remote control. 

Suggested solution: Decor Motorised Blinds & Curtains 


 

Kitchen 

Jar/Can Opener 

Easily open jars, cans, and other tough to open containers with our selection of assistive tech – from manual ring tab openers, to one button electric devices. 

Suggested solution: Automatic One Touch Can Opener 


 

Kettle Tipper 

Start your day safely and effortlessly with a kettle tipper; simply tilt to pour and avoid any excessive lifting or strain. 

Suggested solution: Uccello Kettle Tipper 


 

Shaped and Weighted Cutlery  

Flexible and easy to grip, shaped cutlery is designed to accommodate limited wrist movement – our survey respondents also recommended weighted cutlery to assist with tremors. 



 

Other accessible kitchen utensils 

Suggested solutions: 



Bedroom 

Electric Bed 

Like electric lift chairs, electric beds can make getting in and out of your bed easier and more comfortable. Some models have separate adjustable sides, which makes maneuvering easier when sharing the bed.  

Suggested solution: Revitalife Beds 


 

Body Support Pillows 

Get comfortable and feel supported with a range of body pillows, designed for back and limb support. 

Suggested solution: Pyramid Pillow 


 

Weighted Blanket 

Weighted blankets are used for deep pressure stimulation, which can relieve stress and anxiety, improve your sleep quality, and calm the nervous system. 

Suggested solution: Calming Weighted Blankets 


 

Satin Sheets 

Get a better night’s sleep with satin sheets, which are gentle, soft, temperature regulating, and easy to move around in.  



 

Bathroom 

Shower/bathroom chair 

Make using the shower, toilet, or bathroom more comfortable and relaxing with an adjustable shower chair. 

Suggested solution: Aspire Shower Chair 


 
Nonslip mats 

These soft mats are particularly useful in a wet environment and can lower your risk of falling or injuring yourself in the bathroom. 

Suggested solution: Non-Slip Mat Indoor  

 

Bathroom modifications 

Need more support in the shower, bathroom, or toilet? Shower and toilet rails, as well as adjustable showers or bidets, can make personal care easier and more accessible for you. 



In the community 

Gardening supplies 

If you’ve got a green thumb, these accessories can make taking care of your garden easier. Get into the dirt with a comfortable kneeler aid and accessible trowel or fork, and water your plants using a retractable hose or hose trolley, or an easy grip tap. 

Suggested solutions: 


Hobbies and leisure 

Tapping into your creative side doesn’t have to be inaccessible! Needle threaders and modified scissors can help you enjoy sewing or knitting, while a magnifier or laptop stand could assist with reading, writing, or typing. 

Suggested solutions:   


 

Out and about 

Step outside and get involved in the community with the help of these handy items, recommended by our survey respondents. 

Suggested solutions:  

→ see more driving aids, activity monitors and alarms, and mobility aids.

For more information on selecting assistive technology or operating safely within your home, visit our Around the Home page.