A Guidefor People

with Parkinson’s Disease

THE AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION, INC.MUHAMMAD ALI, Honorary Chairman of Research Development

CLIFF ROBERTSON, Honorary Board MemberBROOKE SHIELDS, Honorary Board Member

MS. MICHAEL LEARNED, Honorary Board MemberDAVID SOUL, Honorary Board Member

SAM KOVENETSKY, Honorary Board MemberLARRY BAUER, Honorary Board Member

ISTAVAN F. ELEK, Honorary Board MemberDAVE DEBUSSCHERE, Honorary Board MemberRICHARD A. GRASSO, Honorary Board Member

FRED SPRINGER, President EmeritusHON. MARIO J. ESPOSITO, SR., President Emeritus

OFFICERSJOHN PILLARELLA, President

VINCENT GATTULLO, 1st Vice PresidentHON. JOEL A. MIELE, SR., 2nd Vice President

J. PATRICK WAGNER, 3rd Vice PresidentPATRICK RUSSO, 4th Vice President

SALVATORE J. ESPOSITO, JR., SecretaryHON. NICHOLAS CORRADO, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DAN ALLIS, Esq.ELIZABETH BRAUNFRED CAFASSO✝ HON. NICHOLAS CORRADOAVA CROWDERJOEL A. DOLCI, C.A.E.MAXINE DUST✝ HON. MARIO J. ESPOSITO, SR.MARIO ESPOSITO, JR.SALLY ANN ESPOSITO✝ SALVATORE J. ESPOSITO, JR.MICHAEL FLORENTINOHON. VITO FOSSELLA, SR.DONNA MARIE FOTIGREG FOWLERGORDON FOXJAMES GARTENBERG✝ VINCENT GATTULLOCARL A. GENERES, Esq.HON. NORMAN GOODMAN✝ FRED A. GREENEMICHAEL HALKIASJAMES HANSENELENA IMPERATOJAY KESSLERCHARLES KLASKYJOHN LAGANA, JR.REV. DOUGALD L. MACLEANSOPHIA MAESTRONEJOHN Z. MARANGOS, Esq.

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARDG. FREDERICK WOOTEN, MD, CHAIRMAN

JAMES BENNETT, JR., M.D., Ph.D.MARIE-FRANCOISE CHESSELET, M.D., Ph.D.MAHLON R. DELONG, M.D.DENNIS DICKSON, M.D.ROGER C. DUVOISIN, M.D., FACPDAVID EIDELBERG, M.D.THOMAS B. FREEMAN, M.D.MARY MARAL MOURADIAN, M.D.

ERWIN MONTGOMERY, JR., M.D.RICHARD MYERS, Ph.D.WILLIAM J. NICKLAS, Ph.D.JOHN B. PENNEY, JR., M.D.JACOB I. SAGE, M.D.TEEPU SIDDIQUE, M.D.RAY L. WATTS, M.D.

JOHN B. MARTINJAMES MAURERROBERT MEEKERHON. GREGORY W. MEEKSMICHAEL MELNICKE✝ HON. JOEL A. MIELE, SR.R. ROY MITCHELL, JR., Esq.THERESE E. MOLLOY, Esq.GEORGE F. MURPHY, SR., Esq.GREGORY PERILLO✝ ROBERT PESSOLANOLISA ESPOSITO PIDORIANO, DVMMICHAEL A. PIETRANGELO, Esq.✝ JOHN PILLARELLAROBERT PIRRELLOCARMINE RAGUCCI, SR.FRED RAPPAPORT✝ DOROTHY REIMERS✝ PATRICK P. RUSSORICHARD A. RUSSOJOSEPH SAUERHOFF✝ SCOTT SCHEFRINRAY SERRAJAY A. SPRINGER, Esq.BILL STILWELLMEYER TEMKIN, CPAHON. VITO TITONE✝ J. PATRICK WAGNERJERRY WELLS, Esq.

✝ Executive Committee

BEINDEPENDENT!

A SELF HELP GUIDEFOR PEOPLE

WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Josephine Clapcich, OTR/L; Nora Goldberg, M.A., OTR/LEileen Walsh, M.S., PT;

STATEN ISLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITALREHABILITATION MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORKJEFFREY B. WEINBERG, M.D., DIRECTOR

This booklet was written for the American ParkinsonDisease Association, Inc. under a grant agreement withthe Staten Island University Hospital RehabilitationMedicine Department, Staten Island, New York, 1993 ©

Revised and Reprinted 1999

The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.1250 Hylan Blvd., Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 10305

Telephone: 800-223-2732

BE INDEPENDENT

is a revision and updateof the original “Equipment and Suggestions” booklet

authored byMarilyn B. Robinson, R.N.

illstrated byFrances Diaz, MS, OTR/L

A special thanks to

Secretary Rosalind Adzele Quayefor her skill and patience

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PageIntroduction 1The Bedroom 2The Bathroom 6Dressing 11The Kitchen 15Mealtime 18Walking 21Negotiating Stairs 23Getting In/Out of Cars 24Miscellaneous Tips 26A Word to the Family 28Resources 29

INTRODUCTION

Activities of daily living include tasks such asbathing, grooming, dressing, preparing food, eatingand caring for the home. Walking and general mobili-ty - getting from place to place - are also importantaspects of a person’s life.

People with Parkinson’s disease often havetremors, rigidity and slowness of movement, all ofwhich may interfere with their ability to care for them-selves.

This booklet contains suggested techniquesand useful aids which can help people to remainindependent.

The adaptive devices mentioned can be pur-chased at a surgical supply store or through the cata-logues listed in hte reference section.

There are many things that you can do toincrease your independence and safety in self-careand mobility.

For further information, consult your physician,occupational therapist or physical therapist.

1

THE BEDROOM

Your bedroom should be kept free of clutter andbe large enough to allow free access to the bed,bureau, closet and hallway doors. Scatter rugsincrease the risk of falling and should be avoided. Ifthey are used, they must be taped or tacked to thefloor even if they have non-skid rubber pads beneaththem. Casters should be removed from furniture,since objects that roll provide unstable hand holds.Shoes and other small objects should be kept off thefloor, especially at night.

Special equipment and aids can be used inyour bedroom to help you maintain your independ-ence and safety while increasing your comfort.

2

BEDROOM IDEAS

3

BEDROOM EQUIPMENT

1. Bed pulls can be attached to the frame at theend of the bed. They are useful in assisting youin rising to a seated position or turning in bed,and can be either purchased or made at home.To make: Braid three pieces of tighly woven fab-ric, such as sheeting, together in a length thatreaches from the base of the bed to your handwhen you are lying down. Sew a large woodencurtain ring to the end to serve as a grasp. Thensew a small binder clip near the ring so that thebed pull can be clamped to the bedding andremain within your reach. Bed pulls can also beattached to the sides of the bed to assist youwhen turning.

2. A trapeze installed over the head of the bed canhelp you to change your position. It may be pur-chased at a surgical supply store and can bemounted to most standard beds.

3. A sturdy cardboard box can be placed underthe covers at the foot of the bed. This ‘bed cra-dle’ keeps your feet and lower legs free of thesheets while turning.

4. A urinal may be kept within reach on a bedtable, or a commode may be placed at the bed-side for night time use. The urinal or commodehelps reduce walks to the bathroom.

5. Disposable incontinence garments are designedto address the problem of accidental urinationand may be especially helpful at night.

4

6. A chair with armrests and a firm seat should bepart of the bedroom furniture. Dressing can beaccomplished while sitting in the chair, thuseliminating the risk of falling. Try to avoid sittingin a low chair. A firm pillow, secured to the chair,makes it easier to rise from a low surface.

7. The bed should be no lower than knee heightfor ease in getting in and out. If your bed is toohigh, a carpenter can cut two or three inches offthe legs. If your bed is too low, use a thickermattress or mattress padding.

8. A railing can be installed on a bedroom wall teninches higher than the level of the bed, and thebed placed against the wall under the railing.The railing becomes an assist for rising fromand turning in bed. Commercially made bedrailsare available and can be mounted on mostbeds. Satin sheets are smooth and can alsofacilitate turning.

9. If you have difficulty sitting up in bed, place afoam wedge cushion under the mattress at thehead of the bed, or place wooden risers underthe legs at the head of the bed.

10. Night lights should be installed in a wall socketnear the bedroom door, in the hallway leadingto the bathroom, and in the bathroom. They areindispensable in helping you avoid accidents.

11. A communication device such as a bell or iter-com system may be needed to ensure safety atnight, especially if you have decreased voicevolume.

5

THE BATHROOM

Safety is essential in the bathroom. It is themost dangerous room in your house. The tile floor isslippery and the surfaces of the shower or tub areextremely slick, especially when wet. The averagebathroom is often small and furnished with porcelainfixtures that jut out from the walls and restrict walkingspace. A call for help may go unheard, especially ifthe water is running or the door is closed.

It is important that the bathroom be made assafe as possible. Adequate equipment and aware-ness of danger increases the ease and safety ofbathing and grooming. Bathing is easier if you areorganized and keep everything that you needarranged safely within or near the tub.

BATHROOM SAFETY

1. Non-skid decals or strips. attached to a tub orshower floor, or the use of a rubber mat, helpsto eliminate falls. Small bathroom rugs are easyto trip over, and should not be used. Use alarge rug that covers most of the floor, wall-to-wall carpeting or bare flooring. Do not wax thefloor.

6

BATHROOM SAFETY(Continued)

2. Grab bars or tub rails placed in strategic loca-tions provide balance and support for getting inand out of the tub or shower. Never use towelracks or wall soap holders as grab bars. Theyare not designed for this and may break awayunder pressure.

3. Tub seats or shower chairs make bathing easierand safer. A flexible shower hose or a hand-heldshower massage allows for safer bathing whileseated. A shower nozzle with a turn-off knob ismore convenient than a free-flow nozzle.

4. A raised toilet seat makes sitting on and risingfrom the toilet easier. Arm rails attached to thetoilet, or a grab bar installed on the wall adja-cent to the toilet, provide convenient handholds.

5. If you have difficulty holding objects, do not useglass tumblers. Paper or plastic cups are safer.

6. A night light should always be installed in abathroom wall socket.

7. The hot water heater in your house should beturned down to prevent accidental scalding.

7

GROOMING

1. Soap on a rope keeps soap conveniently withinreach while showering or taking a tub bath.

2. A suction nail brush makes grooming easierand safer. It can be secured to the tub, reducingthe risk of injury from falling.

3. A long-handled sponge reaches the lower legs,feet and back. It helps eliminate bending and isnecessary if you have a problem with balance.A curved bath sponge can be useful for wash-ing your back.

4. Wash mitts are terry cloth gloves that eliminatethe need for holding onto a washcloth.

5. An electric razor should be used for safety, par-ticularly if you have hand tremor. A variety ofelectric razor holders, which make grasp easier,are commercially available.

6. Round-headed faucets require a twisting motionto operate. This is difficult for people withimpaired strength or coordination. They can beplaced with a lever-type handle or a single armcontrol faucet. The round-headed faucet can beimproved by adding tap-turner adaptations.

7. Adding a commercially made built-up handle, abicycle handle or a wrist cuff makes your tooth-brush, hairbrush or comb handles larger andeasier to grip. Extension handles may be helpfulif your shoulder or arm movement is limited.

8

BATHROOM IDEAS

DRESSING

The fine hand coordination and strength neededfor dressing is sometimes impaired in people withParkinson’s disease. Pain and stiffness in your limbscan also complicate putting on and taking off yourclothing, particularly underwaer, socks and slacks.There are many simple and useful aids that can helpyou remain independent.

Try to choose clothing that is easy to manage.Loose fitting, stretchy clothes with simple fasteningsare easier to put on and take off. For some people,pullover tops may be more convenient. They elimi-nate the need for buttoning. Front-closing garmentsare easier to manage than zipper and button-backgarments.

Knee-length stockings can be worn instead ofpanty hose only if they have wide elasticized tops toprevent constriction of circulation. NEVER wearstockings rolled down and secured with a rubberband or garter. This impairs circulation.

Clothing should be placed, in order of wear, ona chair near you. Take your time and, if possible, donot allow anyone to rush you. Try to maintain yourindependence.

DRESSING DEVICES

1. Velcro closures are excellent substitions for but-tons and zippers. Sew tabs of velcro over thebutton hole and on the underside of the button.Press the velcro strips together to fasten yourshirt.

11

DRESSING DEVICES(Continued)

2. A button hook or button aid slips through thebutton hole and pulls the button back through it.The handles of these tools are more easilygrasped than a small button when fine handcoordination is impaired.

3. Large, easily grasped zipper pulls or rings makeopening and closing trouser flys, jackets andcoats less dificult.

4. Small cuff buttons can be difficult to manipulate.Use elastic thread to sew buttons onto cuffs.Keep them buttoned all the time and slide yourhands through. You can also join the cuff with avelcro closure.

5. A dressing stick or reacher is useful for pullingpants and undergarments up over your legs. Itallows you to remain seated while dressing andreduces the risk of falling. Reachers are alsouseful for picking up objects that have droppedto the floor.

6. Elastic shoe laces need to be tied only once,thus converting laced shoes to slip-on shoes.Standard tie shoes can be closed with Velcrostrips. A shoe maker can stitch them on.

7. A front-closing bra is easier to put on and takeoff. You can adapt a back-closing bra by sewingup the rear closure, cutting the front open andattaching velcro strips.

8. A long-handled shoehorn and a sock donnerreduce bending and straining when putting onsocks and shoes.

12

DRESSING IDEAS

13

14

THE KITCHEN

Decreased strength, range of motion and coor-dination problems can limit your ability to performkitchen activities such as: meal preparation, foodstorage, eating, cleaning and clearing up after meals.Many ingenious aids have been devised to improvesafety and efficiency in the kitchen.

Your kitchen should be kept well organized withdishes, utensils and foods stored near to where theyare used and within easy reach. Coffee and tea forinstance, should be stored as close as possible tothe tea kettle. Store utensils you rarely use behindthose you use everyday. If you have wall space,install a pegboard at an accessible height and hangutensils there.

Pace yourself during kitchen activities and planbefore you start to avoid unnecessary energy-con-suming steps. If you have impaired balance, slow-ness of movement or decreased hand coordination,meal preparation is safer and easier if done whileseated.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT1. A Lazy Susan, placed in the center of the

kitchen table or on a counter, holds numerousfrequently used itmes and eliminates the needto gather each one before meals. The LazySusan can also be used as a shelf organizer toreduce the need to reach for objects at the backof the shelf.

2. Reachers can be used in the kitchen to pick uplight objects that fall to the floor. Heavy objectsshould be placed in counter-height cabinets.

15

3. A rubber pad or wet discloth can be placed underbowls and pans to stabilize them while you arepreparing food.

4. Electric can openers are useful and convenient,especially if fine hand coordination is impaired.

5. A jar opener eases the problem of opening jars.

6. A cutting board with a raised edge preventsdiced vegetables and small pieces of meat fromscattering off the board. A nail hammered intothe board skewers food while dicing or cutting.The nail also helps when buttering bread ortoast. Suction cups can be attached to the bot-tom of your cutting board to prevent it from slid-ing.

7. A microwave, used instead of a stove, reducesthe risk of injury from burns.

8. A long-handled dust pan enables you to collectfloor sweepings without bending to the floor. Asponge mop should be kept easily accessibleas spills should be wiped up immediately toreduce the chance of falling.

9. Your strength and hand function should affectyour choice of pots and pans. If you have limit-ed strength, use aluminum pots and pans andlightweight dishes. Make sure that the shapeand size of the handles are suited to your graspstrength. A long pot handle allows for two-hand-ed lifting.

10. A pot stabilizer keeps the handle steady whenyou stir.

11. A kitchen scissor can help you to open plasticpackages and boxes that are difficult to rip.

16

KITCHEN IDEAS

MEALTIME

There are many attractive and durable commer-cially available mealtime aids. They have beendesigned to enable you to continue to eat with asmuch independence as possible.

If you use a special or adapted piece of silver-ware at home, take it with you when you dine in arestaurant. If you have difficulty cutting food, ask thewaiter to have the food cut in the kitchen before it ispresented to you. This prevents someone from hav-ing to reach across the table to assist you and thuscall attention to your disability. Take your time whileeating and try not to let anyone rush you.

18

MEALTIME EQUIPMENT

1. Attachable plate guards provide a rim on oneside of the plate. Food, especially small vegeta-bles, can be pushed against the guard, wherethey fall onto the fork. Plate guards also preventspills. Scoop dishes contoured with raisededges serve the same purpose.

2. Silverware with built up plastic handles aremore easily grasped. Tubular foam padding canbe attached to the utensil to widen the grip.

Soup spoons can be used instead of forkswhen eating small pieces of food. Sporks are acombination spoon and fork. The one utensilcan spear as well as hold food. A rocking knifemay be used instead of a straight if you haveproblems with coordination. Weightedutensils may help to decrease hand tremors,thus allowing the utensil to reach your mouthmore easily.

3. If you have a tremor, flexible plastic straws helpyou to drink.

4. A mug with a large handle for easy graspshould be used if your tremor is severe. Aninsulated mug with a lid reduces the risk ofburns from spills when drinking hot liquids.

5. A rubber pad or a moist paper towel can beplaced under plates, cups and serving dishes tokeep them from sliding.

19

MEALTIME IDEAS

20

WALKING

The ability to get from one place to anotherinside or outside the home is very important. Thereare a number of assistive devices which can help aperson with decreased balance, coordination, ormobility to walk safely.

Canes can be used to compensate for minorbalance problems. They come in a variety of shapesand sizes and increase your base of support.

The standard J-Handle cane offers some stabili-ty as well as a sense of security. An ortho-cane or aquad-cane may also be used. Each offers an increas-ing degree of support and balance.

If more assistance than a cane is needed, awalker can be prescribed. A walker which folds isgood if you need to store or transport it in limitedspace - for example, in a car. Wheels can be added ifyou have difficulty coordinating the advancement ofthe walker or are usable to lift it off the floor. A brak-ing mechanism which locks with downward pressurecan be attached to the front or back wheels. It isimportant to note, however, that although the rollingwalker is easier to advance, it can be unafe on rugsand other uneven surfaces.

If you are unable to walk, or can walk only shortdistances in your home, a wheelchair provides morefunctional mobility.

In order to best suit your individual needs, aphysical therapist should be consulted so that theappropiate ambulatory device or wheelchair is provid-ed.

21

WALKING IDEAS

NEGOTIATING STAIRS

Stairs often become a major barrier to a personwho has limited strength, balance, and mobility. Thefollowing guidelines make stair climbing easier.

If there is a handrail available, use it as long asit is well secured. Hold onto the hand railing with onehand and an assistive device, if needed, in the otherhand. Both hands can also be placed on the handrailto sidestep up and down the stairs one at a time.

If you are unable to go up or down the stairssafely in a step-over-step manner, negotiate thestairs one step at a time. Place one foot on the step;place the second foot on the same step before youmove on to the next.

If someone is assisting you, that person shouldstay by your side. The assisting person should staggertheir feet so that their lead foot is one step down fromyours. This maintains good balance.

If you cannot safely climb stairs, you can becarried up and down in a wheelchair. A lift may beinstalled, but it is expensive.

Specific instructions for walking up and downthe stairs or being assisted in a wheelchair can bestbe given by a physical therapist.

23

GETTING IN OR OUTOF A CAR

There are ways to make getting in or out of acar easier. First, the car must be parked far enoughaway from the curb so that you can step onto thelevel ground before you go into or get out of the car.To get into a car, turn so that you back in for the laststeps. Your buttocks should lead. Then sit down andswing your legs in.

To exit the car, swing both legs out together andstand up. Sit in the front or back seat, whichevergives you more room. Use pillows to make it easier toget up from a low car. Specific techniques should betaught by and practiced with a physical therapist oroccupational therapist.

24

GETTING INTO A CAR

25

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

If you have a problem with shuffling, small steps andstopping while walking, arrange the furniture so as to avoidcongested areas. Keep hallways free of obstacles. Plan aroute through the house so that there is always a safehandhold available in case you lose your balance.

Railings can be installed on the walls to provide sup-port. Your family should consult with you before theyrearrange the furniture so that you do not lose familiaritywith your surroundings.

Avoid low couches and chairs as it is often extremelydifficult to rise from them without help. A straight backchair with armrests and a firm seat is easier to get upfrom. A firm cushion can be used to acquire the height thatis suitable for you. Pneumatic lifter seats can assist some-one who has severe dificulty rising from a chair.

Handrails should be installed on all staircases, espe-cially those outside.

Use a carpet sweeper instead of a vacuum. It islighter and easier to manipulate.

The “Fone Holder” is a long, flexible shaft that attach-es to most tables and can be positioned to hold the tele-phone receiver so a person can use the hand set withouthaving to move or even touch it. Another device adaptshuge push buttons to the small touch-tone buttons of astandard phone to make dialing easier.

26

Handwriting can be a serious problem for per-sons with Parkinson’s disease. Various pens, pencilsand writing devices are available to stabilize yourgrip. A weighted pen may help reduce tremors andimprove writing.

A door knob turner fits over the door handle andconverts the round knob into a lever. This makes iteasier to open.

27

A WORD TO THE FAMILY

In order to preserve independence in activitiesof daily living, people with Parkinson’s disease shoulddo all that they can for themselves. Because oftremor, rigidity and slowness of movement, eachactivity may take more time than it used to.

It is tempting to do or to complete tasks for peo-ple. It saves time and, perhaps, frustration. However,this may lead to dependence, because it decreasespeople’s motivation to help themselves.

The physical ability of persons with Parkinson’sdisease varies throughout the day in response toanti-Parkinson’s medication. Tremor, rigidity and slow-ness of movement may be more pronounced in themorning than in the afternoon. People’s ability todress or to eat may be impaired at one time and notanother.

To decrease misunderstanding and further frus-tration, families should be aware that their relativesare not malingering but that it is the variability of thedisease that causes fluctuation in independence.People may require help some of the time, but not allof the time.

It is vitally important for the families of peoplewith Parkinson’s disease to help them remain asindependent as possible.

28

Resourcesfor Independent Living

Listed are some companies that feature products,equipment and clothing designed to make self-careskills easier. You may want to call or write:

AdaptabilityP.O. Box 515Colchester, CT 06415800-243-9232

After Therapy CatalogNorth Coast Medical187 Stauffer BoulevardSan Jose, CA 95125-1042800-821-9319

American Walker742 Market StreetOregon, WI 53575608-835-9255

Bell Atlantic Center forCustomers with Disabilities280 Locke Drive, 4th FloorMarlboro, MA 01752800-974-6006

Bruce Medical Supply411 Waverly Oaks Rd.P.O. Box 9166Waltham, MA 02254800-225-8446

29

Resources for Independent Living(Continued)

Comfort House189 Frelinghuysen AvenueNewark, NJ 07114-1595800-359-7701www.comforthouse.com

Disabled Doesn’t Mean InableAdaptive Aids for TransportationBecky Plank909 E. Skagway AvenueTampa, FL 33604-1747813-932-7367

Dr. Leonard’s Health Care Catalog74 20th StreetBrooklyn, NY 11232800-785-0880

Dressing Tips and Clothing Res. forMaking Life EasierThe Best 25 Catalogues Resources forMaking Life EasierShelley Peterman Schwarz933 Chapel Hill RoadMadison, WI 53711www.makinglifeeasier.comhelp@makinglifeeasier.com

30

Resources for Independent Living(Continued)

Durable Medical Equipment12985 Waine RoadLivonia, MI 48150800-877-7285

Durable Medical Equipment (over 3500)Plate Guards, Aids for Daily LivingYes I Can35-325 Date Palm Drive, Suite 131Cathedral City, CA 92234800-366-4226760-321-1717

Enrichments or PrestonP.O. Box 5050Bolingbrook, IL 60440-5050800-323-5547

Fashion Ease1541 60th StreetBrooklyn, NY 11219800-221-8829718-871-8188 (NY State)Fax: 718-436-2067

Independent Living Aids Inc.27 East MallPlainview, NY 11803800-537-2118

31

Resources for Independent Living(Continued)

J.C. Penny’s Easy Dressing CatalogP.O. Box 2021Milwaukee, WI 53201800-222-6161

Patients Transfer SystemsBeatrice M. Brantman, Inc.207 E. WestminsterLake Forest, IL 60045800-232-7987

Personal PagerThe Greatest of Ease Company2443 Fillmore Street, #345San Francisco, CA 94115415-441-6649

Rand Voice AmplifierPark Surgical Company, Inc.5001 New Utrecht AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11219718-436-9200800-633-7878

Sears Health Care CatalogSears Roebuck and CompanyP.O. Box 804203Chicago, IL 60680-4203800-326-1750

32

Resources for Independent Living(Continued)

The Speedo Aquatic Exercise System7911 Haskell AvenueVan Nuys, CA 91409800-547-8770

The Do Able Renewable HomeConsumer Affairs Program Dept.American Association of Retired Persons(AARP)800-424-3410

Voice AmplifierLuminaud Inc.8688 Tyler Blvd.Mentor, OH 44060-4348800-255-3408

Voice AmplifierAnchor Audio, Inc.3415 Lomita Blvd.Torrance, CA 90505800-262-4671310-784-2300

Voice AmplifiersPhillips Consumers Communications800-233-1222

WalkersNoble Motion Inc.P.O. Box 53665871 Centre AvenuePittsburgh, PA 1520-0366800-234-9255

33

APDA Information and Referral Centers

Alabama, BirminghamUniversity of Alabama atBirmingham205-934-9100

Arizona, TucsonUniversity of Arizona520-326-5400

Arkansas, Hot SpringsSt. Joseph’s RegionalHealth Center800-407-9295501-518-1690

California, Los AngelesCedars-Sinai Health System310-855-7933

California, San DiegoInformation & Referral Center619-273-6763

California, San FranciscoSeton Medical Center650-991-6391

Connecticut, New HavenHospital of Saint Raphael203-789-3936

Florida, JacksonvilleMayo Clinic, Jacksonville904-953-7030

Florida, Pompano BeachNorth Broward Medical Center800-825-2732

Florida, St. PetersburgColumbia Edward White Hospital813-898-2732

Georgia, AtlantaEmory University School ofMedicine404-778-5120

Idaho, BoiseSt. Alphonsus Medical Center208-367-6570

Illinois, ChicagoGlenbrook Hospital847-657-5787

The Arlette JohnsonYoung Parkinson Information& Referral CenterGlenbrook Hospital847-657-5787800-223-9776 - (Out of IL)

Louisiana, New OrleansSchool of Medicine, LSU504-568-6554

Maryland, BaltimoreJohns Hopkins Outpatient Center410-955-8795

Massachusetts, BostonBoston University School ofMedicine617-638-8466

Minnesota, MinneapolisAbbott Northwestern HospitalMinneapolis Neuroscience Inst.612-863-5850

Missouri, St. LouisWashington UniversityMedical Center314-362-3299

Montana, Great FallsBenefit Health Care800-233-9040406-455-2964

Nebraska, OmahaInformation & Referral Center402-551-9311

Nevada, Las VegasMedical AssociatesUNLV School of Medicine702-671-2356

Nevada, RenoV.A. Hospital702-328-1715

New Jersey, New BrunswickRobert Wood JohnsonUniversity Hospital732-745-7520

New Mexico, AlbuquerqueHEALTHSOUTHRehabilitation Hospital800-278-5386

New York, AlbanyThe Albany Medical College518-452-2749

New York, Far RockawayPeninsula Hospital718-945-7079

New York, ManhattanNew York University212-983-1379

New York, Old WestburyNew York College ofOsteopathic Medicine516-626-6114

New York, SmithtownSt. John’s Episcopal Hospital516-862-3560

New York, Staten IslandStaten Island University Hospital718-226-6129

North Carolina, DurhamDuke University Medical Center919-681-2033

Ohio, CincinnatiUniversity of CincinnatiMedical Center513-558-6770800-840-2732

Oklahoma, TulsaHillcrest Medical Center 918-747-3747800-364-4450Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaCrozer-Chester Medical Center610-447-2911

Pennsylvania, PittsburghAllegheny General Hospital412-441-4100

Rhode Island, PawtucketMemorial Hospital of RI401-729-3165

Tennessee, MemphisMethodist Hospital901-726-8141

Tennessee, NashvilleCentennial Medical Center615-342-4635800-493-2842

Texas, BryanSt. Joseph Regional Rehabilitation Center409-821-7523

Texas, DallasPresbyterian Hospital of Dallas214-345-4224800-725-2732

Texas, LubbockMethodist Hospital806-785-2732800-687-5498

Texas, San AntonioThe University of Texas HSC210-567-6688

Utah, Salt Lake CityUniversity of Utah, School of Medicine801-585-2354

Vermont, BurlingtonUniversity of Vermont Medical Center804-982-4482

Virginia, CharlottesvilleUniversity of Virginia Medical Center804-982-4482

Washington, SeattleUniversity of Washington206-543-5369

Wisconsin, AppletonAppleton Medical Center920-831-1844888-797-2732

Dedicated Centers

*Young Parkinson

**Armed Forces Veterans

*

**

THE AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION, INC.1250 HYLAN BLVD., SUITE 4B

STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305800-223-2732 (TOLL FREE NUMBER)

APDA West Coast OfficeAvco Center Building

10850 Wilshire BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90024

800-908-2732

APDA Washington D.C. Office975 Powhaton StreetAlexandria, VA 22314

800-684-2732