Vicky Parry
25th Sep 2025
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Parkinson’s affects around 166,000 people in the UK, and that number continues to grow. By 2050, estimates suggest over 25 million people worldwide will be living with Parkinson’s.
Vicky Parry Editor at MoneyMagpie looks at what it’s like to live close to someone with Parkinson’s, the challenges families face, and the support available. Drawing on her own experience and research, she highlights the work of Parkinson’s UK, their Charter of Rights, and practical aids that can help maintain independence and improve daily life.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s occurs when the brain stops making the right levels of dopamine. This happens because the cells that make that chemical stop working. Dopamine affects how the body interprets signals for movement, which means people living with Parkinson’s find their movements are slower or less coordinated. It gets worse over time, although some people may find it affects them more than others.
Nobody knows why some people get Parkinson’s. Factors such as age, genetics, and environment can all have an impact on the likelihood of getting it. For example, men are more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, as are older people.
A very important thing to remember is – just because one person with Parkinson’s has one symptoms, doesn’t mean others will be the same. This is a personal journey and listen to what the person with the Parkinson’s is saying, not what you read online or not how someone else you know with the condition may act or say.
Signs and Symptoms
There are over forty signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s. Full details can be found on the Parkinson’s UK website. Some people will have a lot of symptoms at first while other people might only have a few. It can take a long time to be noticeable or seem to develop quite quickly.
Common early symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Slower movement
- Loss of balance
- Sleep problems
- Mild memory loss or brain fog
- Muscle stiffness
Having these symptoms does not mean you definitely have Parkinson’s, as they overlap with many other types of health issue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the first thing to do is speak to your GP about your concerns.
Treatment of Parkinson’s is a combination of medicines, physical therapy and exercise, and some may benefit from deep brain stimulation therapy.
Living with Parkinson’s
There are lots of podcasts and other resources that talk about what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s. Check out Movers and Shakers Podcast as a starting point!
Vicky’s Story: Living Close to Parkinson’s
“Two years ago, someone I love enormously was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Even now, I sometimes can’t quite believe it. You hear that word and it feels huge, like everything is about to change overnight and I think I went into a sort of mourning.
The reality is slow. It’s been a slower shift — little adjustments, little reminders, and a new way of looking at life. But the loved one is still the same person, still someone scared and frustrated, and whilst you have to protect them in many ways, you very much go through the adjustment together.
It’s still early days, and so far, medication hasn’t been needed. Exercise has made a massive difference. Keeping moving, keeping strong, has helped in ways I didn’t expect — not just physically, but emotionally, too. It’s given us all something positive to focus on, something we can do together to keep the future bright for as long as possible and seeing the difference it makes to their symptoms is huge.
That’s not to say it’s easy. There are moments that hit you — when something small suddenly feels like a big effort, or when I catch myself worrying about what’s to come. Some days I feel sad, other days more proud than I ever knew possible, but mostly I just feel determined to be there, fully, in whatever way I’m needed.
What has surprised me is how much closer it’s brought us as a family. Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect one person, it affects everyone who loves them. But rather than pulling us apart, it’s made us rally. We talk more, laugh more, hold on to the little things more. We’re all in this together, and that makes all the difference.
I don’t know what the years ahead will look like, but I do know this: we’ll face it side by side, with patience, humour, and love. And right now, that feels enough.”
Support for People Living with Parkinson’s
When you’re newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it can be daunting. There is a lot of emotional, technical, and financial support available – you’re not alone.
The first place to look is on Parkinson’s UK’s website, the leading UK charity to support people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. They have a wealth of resources to help you find support.
Living with Parkinson’s may mean your finances will become affected. That’s because, over time, some people of working age may find they are unable to sustain a full-time job, while people of any age may find the extra costs can mount up as they invest in mobility aids, care support, and other expenses they did not have before. Some people may choose to find private physiotherapy or other therapies, for example.
Financial Support
People with a Parkinson’s diagnosis may be able to access some financial support. For example, Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance, or Attendance Allowance. Those of working age who are unable to work or can’t work full-time may quality for Universal Credit, possibly with the health element top-up. Access to financial support like this depends on how your Parkinson’s affects you at the time – if your symptoms are currently mild and you don’t qualify for some financial support, it is always worth reapplying in the future if your symptoms get worse.
You may also find grants to help with some costs. For example, if you need to convert your bathroom to a wetroom, your local authority may offer a grant to do this. Waiting lists can be long, so register early. Other charities may provide one-off grants for purchases, particularly for things like mobility aids. Check the Grant Finder on Turn2Us to discover grants you may be eligible for.
Debt can also be a concern if your Parkinson’s has impacted your finances. There is help available: your first step is to speak to either StepChange or National Debtline if you’re on the precipice of a debt spiral. They are both charities and will not charge you a Casadefinance Reader for their help and advice. They will be able to help you manage your debtors and make debt repayment arrangements on your behalf.
The Parkinson’s Charter
Living with Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the person with the condition — it affects their families, friends and communities too. That’s why the Parkinson’s UK Charter was created: to set out the rights every person with Parkinson’s should expect, and to make sure no one feels alone or unsupported on their journey.
The charter is built around five key points:
-
The right to be diagnosed quickly and accurately
No one should have to wait years for answers. Early and accurate diagnosis means better support and better quality of life. -
The right to receive the best information and support
Clear, honest and practical advice at every stage — so people understand their condition and can make informed decisions. -
The right to be treated by healthcare professionals with a specialist interest in Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is complex, so it’s vital to have doctors, nurses and therapists who really understand it. -
The right to get the medicines they need when they need them
For those who do take medication, timing is everything. Delays can have a huge impact on symptoms. -
The right to be treated with dignity and respect
Above all, people with Parkinson’s deserve compassion and understanding — not just in medical settings, but in everyday life.
The charter acts as both a guide and a promise. It’s there to make sure families know what they’re entitled to, and to push for better standards of care across the UK.
Mobility Aids to Maintain Independence: Tested by MoneyMagpie
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be devastating, but there are plenty of ways to maintain living an independent life for a long time. Using disability aids, mobility aids, and handy gadgets can all help someone living with Parkinson’s to continue with their daily activities.
While the gadgets listed below could help someone with Parkinson’s, they could also help many of the one in four adults living with a disability in the UK. From walking aids to cable plugs, everything listed here has been tested by a trusted MoneyMagpie reviewer living with a disability.
Many items can be claimed at 20% off the retail price, for VAT relief. Each website will include information about how to do this. You are eligible to claim VAT relief on purchases for items designed or adapted to help manage symptoms of a disability. This also includes work done on your home, such as installing ramps or wet rooms.
Homedics Modulair Support Wraps
For people with limited mobility, circulation can be poor and this leads to swollen legs and ankles. Some conditions can also cause swelling in the joints. The Homedics Modulair system is designed to apply gentle compression in a massage function to improve circulation. The foot wrap is ideal for those with sore ankles and feet, but you can also choose from a leg wrap for the calf, knee wrap, and wrist support wrap.
The Modulair system starts from £29.99 for the foot wrap, or £69.98 with the remote control.
Drive Nitro Sprint Rollator
This foldable rollator is light and easy to transport in the back of a car, or to keep in a cupboard until you need it. The braking system keeps you safe, while the seat is designed to help you take rests when you need them. You can attach a bag too, meaning it’s easy to carry your things. Unlike many rollators, this one also has a high weight limit of 350lbs. It retails for £215.99 but is £179.99 with VAT relief, from Fenetic Wellbeing.
Jorvik Tricycles Electric Tricycle
An electric tricycle is perfect for maintaining independence to get around town or go on bike rides with your friends and family. Our Editor Vicky Parry reviewed one here. The three wheels provide extra stability, while the battery assist means you can ride further and for longer – including on rougher terrain and on hills. There are lots of models available, from those ideal for city cycling to off-road trikes that can manage sand and rough tracks.
Visit Jorvik Tricycles and book a test-ride to see how much of a difference an electric tricycle could make to your life. The owners of Jorvik Tricycles has a very personal story with Parkinsons themself – seeing their own father struggle with mobility and not liking the design and feeling of otherness, these incredible trikes were designed to help mobility, ease of use, ever single element has been considered for those with the condition. However – they look really cool and don’t look like mobility aids at all. So much so, anyone can use them.
Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks
Crutches and walking sticks can help you maintain your balance when walking. But the usual NHS steel grey isn’t much to look at – and also isn’t very ergonomic, often causing painful blisters on your hands with daily use. Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks is a small business created by Amelia Peckham, who decided that her walking aids needed some style!
Choose from bright patterns to diamonte to glitter, with moulded handles and non-slip bases, you’ll look great as well as feel supported. They also include accessories such as the Stick Safe, designed to stop your stick or crutch from falling over when you prop it up somewhere. Until July 31st 2025, Magpie readers can claim up to 35% off. Use the code MAGPIE at the checkout for 15% off, and make sure to select VAT relief for that extra 20%. Visit the shop online.
Chatsie Smartphone
Small icons, hard to read text, and an overwhelming visual clutter of apps. These are all reasons that smartphones can be hard to use when you have a disability. The Chatsie Smartphone has been designed with simplicity in mind: text instead of icons, an easy navigation menu, and text-to-speech dictation as an easy option to send texts without faffing with a keyboard (though you can use a keyboard, too).
There is also a UK-based customer support line, with the option of easy access via a menu button, so if you get stuck using your phone or you’re not sure whether a message that’s come through is spam, you can get in touch with them.
Ultra Rise and Recliner Chair
Fenetic Wellbeing’s Ultra Rise and Recliner Chair has five motors which make it really customisable, from legs through to headrest. It has a tilt function that makes the chair lie flat, a warming function and a massage function powered by air rather than rollers, for a great massage that doesn’t dig into sore points. It also rises to a full stand, allowing independence to get into and out of the chair with ease.
It also comes in three sizes, so whether you’re on the petite side or extra tall, there is a size to fit you. Our reviewer is over 6’2″ and has found the large size plenty big enough, long enough, and supportive enough. It also has a backup battery, so if there is a power cut you’re not stranded in your chair.
Plug Tug and Cable Puller
Active Hands specialise in adaptive accessories to make everyday activities easier. The Plug Tug (£8.95) wraps around three-prong plug ends, to make it easier to remove them from plug sockets. The Cable Puller (£9.95) has a similar concept to it, designed to make putting cables in and out of devices much easier.
1-Up Hair Tie
Putting up long hair into a ponytail can be challenging when you have limited hand mobility or a limb difference. The 1-Up Hair Tie is designed to make it easy to pull long hair into a ponytail with one hand. It comes in different sizes, with prices ranging between £8.95 and £11.95.
Vicky’s Takeaway: The Importance of Talking About Parkinson’s
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past two years is just how important it is to talk openly about Parkinson’s — both for the person living with it and for the people around them. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and being honest about fears and frustrations can make a huge difference.
Joining support groups, speaking with others in the same situation, and having honest conversations with your family and your Parkinson’s nurse can provide reassurance, practical tips, and emotional support. Learning about the condition also helps — it can prevent you from taking symptoms personally and makes it easier to respond with patience and understanding.
At the same time, it’s vital to remember that everybody’s experience is different. Parkinson’s affects people in unique ways, and what works for one person might not work for another. But there is always hope. People like Michael J. Fox have shown how public awareness, advocacy, and research can transform how Parkinson’s is understood and perceived.
For anyone living with Parkinson’s, or supporting someone who is, my advice is simple: stay informed, reach out, and remember that small adjustments, understanding, and shared experiences can make all the difference. Together, we can navigate the challenges and celebrate the moments of strength, resilience, and joy.