NNHC Resource Center
Parkinson’s Disease Resources
A practical resource for people living with Parkinson’s disease and the family members or care partners supporting them, with guidance on mobility, medication routines, swallowing, communication, home safety, and caregiver support.
Parkinson’s Is More Than a Movement Disorder
Parkinson’s can affect movement, balance, speech, swallowing, sleep, mood, thinking, bowel function, and other parts of daily life. New or sudden changes should not automatically be blamed on Parkinson’s and may need medical evaluation.
Protect Mobility & Independence
The goal is to support safe movement while preserving as much independence as possible.
Watch for Fall Risk
Freezing, shuffling, slowed movement, posture changes, and balance problems can increase fall risk. Follow physical-therapy and assistive-device recommendations.
Give Extra Time
Rushing can make movement and transfers more difficult. Build extra time into dressing, bathing, walking, meals, and appointments.
Keep Pathways Clear
Good lighting, clear walkways, stable furniture, and bathroom safety equipment can make the home easier to navigate.
Medication Timing Matters
Parkinson’s medications may be highly time-sensitive. Caregivers should follow the prescribed schedule closely and avoid making changes without the treating clinician.
Keep an up-to-date medication list with exact names, doses, times, and instructions. Bring it to appointments and hospital visits. If swallowing, nausea, hallucinations, sleepiness, dizziness, or other symptoms interfere with medication use, contact the prescribing clinician rather than improvising the schedule.
Speech, Swallowing & Nutrition
Changes in voice, speech clarity, chewing, swallowing, drooling, appetite, or weight may need evaluation.
Speech Changes
A speech-language pathologist may help with voice strength, communication strategies, and speech clarity.
Swallowing Safety
Coughing during meals, wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, recurrent chest infections, or weight loss should be discussed with the healthcare team.
Constipation & Hydration
Constipation is common in Parkinson’s. Diet, fluids, movement, and medication plans should be individualized with the care team.
Thinking, Mood & Behavior
Parkinson’s can include non-movement symptoms that affect quality of life and caregiving.
Track Changes
Report new hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, depression, sleep changes, or significant cognitive decline to the treating team.
Look for Other Causes
A sudden change can also reflect infection, dehydration, medication effects, pain, or another medical problem and should be assessed appropriately.
Preserve Choice & Routine
Simple choices, predictable routines, and respectful cueing can support autonomy even as assistance needs increase.
Support for Care Partners
Parkinson’s often progresses over many years, so the care-partner role can change gradually from occasional help to substantial daily support.
Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline
Information specialists answer questions about diagnosis, treatment, daily living, caregiving, local professionals, support groups, and wellness programs. Call 1-800-473-4636.
Care Partner Education
Caregiver education can help families prepare for mobility changes, communication needs, medication routines, and future care decisions.
Protect the Caregiver’s Health
Long-term caregiving can affect sleep, physical health, finances, relationships, and mental health. Respite and shared responsibility should be planned before burnout becomes a crisis.
How NNHC Can Help
As Parkinson’s progresses, NNHC can discuss home-care options such as personal care, companion support, respite, and skilled nursing when clinically appropriate and authorized by the payer or care plan.
Resource notice: This page is educational and does not replace medical advice, emergency evaluation, therapy recommendations, or individualized care planning. External resources and program details can change. Resource links reviewed September 18, 2026.