Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes considerable challenges with movement and mobility. According to studies, people with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease experience an increased fall risk. Approximately 45% to 68% of people with PD will fall each year.1 This is due in part to the difficulties with balance and impaired sensation that are common with Parkinson’s.
One solution to help those living with Parkinson’s disease maintain their mobility and independence is the use of a Broda wheelchair. While a person with Parkinson’s may experience tremors and unsteadiness, the right wheelchair can make all the difference. A Broda wheelchair provides stability and injury prevention, both key considerations for those with Parkinson’s.
Broda wheelchairs can be configured with a number of features that make it ideal for those with Parkinson’s, including:
- A low seat to floor height which enables self-propulsion and lowers the risk of falls
- Padded armrests which provide comfort and stability
- Brakes that can be easily accessed and operated
- Tilt and recline functionality that can redistribute pressure, increase seating stability, and help keep the user comfortable.
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The Need for a Fall Prevention Plan
A person with Parkinson’s could fall for a variety of reasons, such as tremors, poor balance, improperly executed transfers, wheelchair malfunctions, and excessive fidgeting from discomfort. Bathing can be especially risky for people with Parkinson’s who are using a low-quality shower chair. At Broda, we engineer solutions to make seating safe and comfortable for every part of your routine. Our Revive Shower Commode is an essential part of any fall prevention plan for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
“No-Lift” Fall Prevention
Broda wheelchairs include built-in fall prevention features that work in tandem with your “no-lift” or fall prevention program. Our swing-away arm and leg supports can pivot to the side. Caregivers can even remove these accessories to make room to transfer the patient to and from the wheelchair. During use, our wheelchairs can tilt and recline to help the occupant keep a comfortable and secure posture. In a full, 90-degree reclining position, a user can transfer from their bed to their wheelchair on a slide board, without being lifted at all.
Comfort is Essential to Fall Prevention
Comfort plays a significant role in a person’s risk of falling. An uncomfortable patient is more likely to scoot towards the edge of the wheelchair. Subsequently, this changes the center of gravity for both the patient and the wheelchair, putting the patient at risk for injury. Sooner or later, the user may fall. In this case, it’s best to proactively consider the patient’s comfort to help them sit still.
Because patients tend to be safer when comfortable, we created our one-of-a-kind Comfort Tension Seating® system. Unlike conventional sling-style wheelchairs, Comfort Tension Seating® consists of individual straps that mold to the user’s body, creating a supportive seating surface.
In summary, a Broda wheelchair is an excellent seating solution for Parkinson’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stage of Parkinson’s creates difficulty walking?
Parkinson’s disease progresses through five stages, beginning with mild symptoms and gradually impacting mobility. Walking difficulties typically emerge in Stage 3, when balance issues and slowed movement increase the risk of falls. By Stages 4 and 5, individuals often require mobility aids or full-time assistance as walking becomes extremely difficult or impossible.
Can Parkinson’s disease cause dizziness?
Yes, Parkinson’s disease can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, often due to low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), medication side effects, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This can increase fall risk, making stable seating and careful movement transitions essential for safety.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease?
While both are neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s primarily affects memory and cognitive function, while Parkinson’s primarily impacts movement and motor control. Parkinson’s symptoms include tremors, stiffness, and balance issues, while Alzheimer’s leads to progressive memory loss and confusion. In later stages, both conditions can cause mobility challenges, but they progress differently.
How can Broda wheelchairs improve comfort and mobility for someone with advanced Parkinson’s?
Broda wheelchairs enhance comfort and mobility for individuals with advanced Parkinson’s by providing tilt-in-space positioning, padded armrests, and a low seat-to-floor height for stability. The Comfort Tension Seating® system molds to the user’s body, reducing pressure points and the urge to fidget, which can lead to falls. These features promote secure, comfortable seating and ease of movement, improving overall quality of life.
References
- Pelicioni, P. H. S., Menant, J. C., Latt, M. D., & Lord, S. R. (2019). Falls in Parkinson’s Disease Subtypes: Risk Factors, Locations and Circumstances. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(12), 2216. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122216