10 Best Gifts for People with Parkinson’s
It can be challenging to know exactly how to help a loved one living with Parkinson’s. While there are several things you can do to help, we have done the research and come up with a list of the ten best gifts for your loved one. Whether you want to help them improve their quality of life with specific solutions, or gift them something for their body or mind, read on, and we are sure you will find something that is perfect for them!
Parkinson’s Specific Solutions
- De Oro Devices: NexStride
NexStride is an easy-to-use, portable device that attaches to canes, walkers, and walking poles to help with the debilitating symptom of Parkinson’s, freezing of gait. Freezing of gait is the inability to initiate stepping because of a disconnect that occurs between the brain and the body. It is often described as feeling as though your “feet are glued to the floor” or “stuck in a box of cement.” The device uses research-backed visual and auditory cues in the form of a green laser line and metronome to help overcome freezing of gait so that its users can retain their independence, improve their quality of life, and get moving again!
2. Liftware Steady Starter Kit
The Liftware Steady Starter Kit includes an electronic stabilizing handle, charging system, travel pouch, and soup spoon attachment. This assistive device works to counteract tremors and help people living with Parkinson’s to eat more smoothly. According to Liftware’s peer-reviewed clinical study, “the attached utensil shakes 70% less than your hand.” Help your loved one eat with ease with the Liftware Steady Starter Kit!
3. Five Microns: Tremelo
The Tremelo is a non-invasive technology that slides over the hand and wrist like a glove to mechanically stabilize tremors. By using the principle of absorption, the Tremelo can counteract tremors in the hands to help your loved one eat, drink, and do other small tasks. The Tremelo is safe and easy to use, weighing less than a pound. Take a look at this incredible technology!
Note: The Tremelo is specifically designed to help with Essential Tremor, not Parkinson’s Disease.
For the Body
4. Urban Poles ACTIVATOR®
ACTIVATOR Poles are a set of nordic walking poles that have been specifically designed for balance, rehab, and long-term conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. The poles are an excellent way for people to stay active as they provide a full-body workout while helping their users maintain balance and posture. Exercise is the only thing proven to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, making this a no-brainer gift for your loved one!
5. Fitbit Tracker or Smartwatch
Help your loved one track their steps and activity with a Fitbit fitness tracker or smartwatch! Motivate them to lead a healthy lifestyle filled with movement.
The Fitbit Charge 4 has everything you will ever need in a fitness tracker, including a step counter, reminders to move, a sleep tracker, and so much more! This gadget will help your loved one stay on top of their fitness and health.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is the smartwatch that will keep your loved one both fit and connected. With additional features to the fitness tracker such as call and text notifications, music and podcast storage, and a voice assistant, the smartwatch can help your loved one do almost anything while also getting their movement in for the day.
Looking to go all out for your loved one with Parkinson’s?
You can pair the ACTIVATOR Poles with the NexStride to keep your loved one moving safely and smoothly. Add a Fitbit to track their activity and you have given them all the tools for the active lifestyle they need!
6. Exercise Classes
Exercise class memberships specific to Parkinson’s are a great way for your loved one to stay safe and active!
Rock Steady Boxing provides a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum to help people with Parkinson’s improve their quality of life. They run classes across the country.
NeuroBoxing offers a range of fitness classes and resources for people with neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s, such as non-contact boxing, H.I.T., functional health & fitness coaching, and education & support.
7. Magna Ready Clothing
Magna Ready makes clothes specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease so that getting dressed is an easier experience. They have a range of shirts and pants as well as ties. The shirts and pants both have magnetic closures instead of buttons (buttons are still featured on the outside of the shirt for style), and the ties are pre-tied with zippers used to secure them around the neck. This innovative line of clothing will make each morning a little easier!
8. Spa Day
Book your loved one a much-deserved spa day for some relaxation both mentally and physically. Trust me, they will appreciate this gift! Make sure to ask around and do your research to find a spa that has specifically worked with people that live with Parkinson’s Disease.
For the Mind
9. Books
It is essential to keep the mind healthy and active as well as the body. Below, we have listed three wonderful books!
- How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body, by Dr David Hamilton
“An authoritative and accessible book by a qualified scientist, showing incredible proof of the mind-body connection. There is no longer any doubt that the way we think affects our bodies: countless scientific studies have shown this to be true. For former pharmaceutical scientist Dr. David Hamilton, the testing of new drugs highlighted how profoundly the mind and body are connected. Time and time again, the control group of patients in drug trials improved at similar rates to those who actually received the medicines. Astounded, Dr. Hamilton decided to change the direction of his work to explore the relationship between the mind and the body.” (Summary courtesy of Amazon)
- Goodbye Parkinson’s, Hello Life!, by Alex Kerten with David Brinn
“In Goodbye Parkinson’s, Hello Life! Alex Kerten presents his breakthrough holistic technique that combines dance therapy, behavior modification, and martial arts, to prove that there is life beyond the diagnosis of PD. Those who follow Kerten’s techniques and are committed to becoming “Parkinson’s warriors” can succeed in eliminating many, if not most, of their symptoms and return to a productive and fulfilling life. Instead of viewing themselves as Parkinson’s victims, the methods in Goodbye Parkinson’s, Hello life! will lead them to become healthy people with Parkinson’s.” (Summary courtesy of Amazon)
- Shaken, Not Stirred: Living with Parkinson’s Disease, by Larry Linton
“Shaken, Not Stirred: Living with Parkinson’s Disease is the story of a reluctant hero navigating the trauma of a life-altering diagnosis. After going through a long-term, debilitating stage of grief, Linton emerges to find life worth living and enjoying again. Read how simple changes Linton made to his daily life have improved his physical and mental health, his happiness, his life, and the lives of his family members, who stood bravely by as he waged his battle. Despite the seriousness of the subject, Linton shares inspiring stories and important information about Parkinson’s Disease in a surprisingly entertaining and engaging manner.” (Summary courtesy of Amazon)
10. Puzzle Books
Puzzle books are a terrific way for your loved one to keep their mind sharp and occupied. This puzzle book is specifically made for people with Parkinson’s, and this one too, check them out! You can also go with crosswords, Sudoku, or other fun puzzles.
We hope this list helps you find something your loved one with Parkinson’s Disease will appreciate!
