Parkinson's and mobility: Best chairs and mobility aids

Living with Parkinson’s can change the way you move. But the right Parkinson’s mobility aids can make things safer and far more manageable. From specialist beds to clever home adaptations, there are plenty of supportive tools designed to help you stay independent for longer – and ultimately feel more in control of your life. 

How can Parkinson's affect mobility?

Parkinson’s affects the messages the brain sends to the muscles. This means movements can become slower or harder to initiate. Everyone’s experience is unique – but most people notice changes to balance, walking, stability or the ability to get in and out of furniture safely. 

Stiffness

Muscle rigidity is one of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s. People often notice reduced flexibility with simple, everyday movements – like turning in bed or getting up from a chair – become more challenging.

Walking

Many people experience a slower walking pace, shorter steps, or trouble maintaining rhythm (also known as gait freezing). This stiffness can contribute to a general feeling of fatigue and low confidence when moving around. 

Getting up

Moving from sitting to standing is a struggle at the best of times, but with Parkinson’s, it can be even more of a challenge. As mobility changes, standing from a low seat or bed can become physically demanding. A lack of momentum and muscle rigidity make it harder to rise smoothly or safely. 

Freezing

‘Freezing episodes’ are more common in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s, and are commonly triggered by stress or multitasking. It happens when the body suddenly stops mid-movement, even though the person intends to continue. It can happen as someone is walking, turning or even speaking or writing. 

The sensation is often described as feeling as though your feet have been ‘glued’ to the floor, which can feel unsettling, especially in busy places where people move quickly, like shopping centres or doorways. Aural cues like metronomes, or visual cues like tape markers on the floor can help you manage the issue, alongside professional support from a physical therapist. 

Falling

Balance changes increase the risk of falls, especially during turning or when you’re starting or stopping mid-walk. Mobility aids can be a big help here, providing much-needed stability during freezing episodes or moments of unsteadiness. 

Tips to improve mobility and make life easier

It’s important to stay active and mentally healthy if you have Parkinson’s, perhaps in a more conscious and dedicated way than you did before. Here are some tips to keep you happy and healthy. 

Move every day

Staying active is one of the best ways to stay flexible and slow the progression of mobility challenges. You don’t need to run a marathon – just small, gentle movements can make all the difference. 

Here are some accessible movements to try out:

• Chair exercises: Gentle seated movements – like marching legs, shoulder rolls or twisting from side to side – help loosen stiffness and keep joints moving. They’re easy to do at home, and ideal for days when standing exercise feels like too much. Best of all, you can do them while you catch up on your TV programmes. 
• Balance training: Simple balance work, like shifting your weight from foot to foot, practising slow turns or stepping over a line on the floor, helps you feel steadier on your feet. It also reduces the risk of falls and boosts confidence while you’re out and about.
• Strength exercises: Light strength work – think sit-to-stands, or using a light resistance band – helps keep your legs and core strong. This improves agility and keeps stiffness at bay, which in turn makes everyday movements like getting up from a chair or climbing stairs much easier.
• Rhythm-based walking practice: Walking to a beat, whether it’s a favourite song or a metronome, gives your body a cue to follow, helping steps feel smoother and more controlled.

You can tackle the above alone or with a supportive family member. But for best results, we recommend working with a physiotherapist to make sure your movements are safe, personalised and gradually progressive. 

Enjoy music, dance and fun!

Research shows that music can help bypass movement blockages in the brain. Dancing or practising walking to a beat improves rhythm, reduces freezing episodes and boosts motivation. It also floods the body with endorphins (the happy hormones), keeping your mood up and energy high. 

Put on your favourite tunes and boogie round the kitchen. You might also explore local dance groups for seniors – Age UK offers city-specific guides that list activities and groups for older people. People Dancing also offers in-person and online dance classes for people with Parkinson’s. 

Find a community

Isolation and loneliness are significant problems for people with Parkinson’s. A loss of mobility often leads to a loss of confidence, and this can affect your ability (and motivation) to leave the house and participate in the wider community. 

Luckily, accessibility has come on in leaps and bounds. Exercise groups, Parkinson’s support circles, and online communities can help keep you active and emotionally supported. They’re also a great source of practical advice – and fun!

Eat healthily 

Nutrition is always important, but all the more so when you have Parkinson’s. Eating a varied, nutrient-dense diet can help alleviate the symptoms of constipation and tiredness, as well as help with medication efficacy. 

Stay hydrated and eat lots of fiber – just be careful to time protein intake carefully, because it can interfere with the absorption of Levodopa, a common Parkinson’s medication.

Adapt your home

Parkinson’s can make the home feel full of obstacles, which can have a negative effect on both your safety and sense of wellbeing. Supportive home adaptations can make daily movement safer. 

• Grab rails and non-slip mats offer support in bathrooms and stairways.
• Higher seating and rise and recline chairs can make sitting from standing easier. 
• Proper lighting and easy-access switches improve visibility.
• Clear walkways free from clutter and furniture prevent trips and give you more room to maneuver.

Types of Parkinson’s mobility aids and devices

Stiffness, a lack of balance, tremors – understandably, these issues often have a knock-on effect on a person’s confidence. The activities you once enjoyed, whether a long soak in the tub, or a trip to their local cinema, suddenly become a real challenge. 

Mobility aids are designed to support the body, improving comfort, confidence, and participation. Below is a quick guide to the most common aids designed for people with Parkinson’s.

Walking aids

Walking aids help reduce falls, support balance, and improve confidence. Options include:

• Rollators with brakes – provide stability and reduce freezing by encouraging forward motion.
• Laser-guided canes or rollators – project a line on the floor to help break freezing episodes by giving the walker something to aim for. 
• Upright walkers – help maintain posture and reduce back strain.

Bathing aids

Safety in the bathroom is essential. Useful aids include:

• Bath lifts – raise and lower you safely into the tub without straining or awkward angles.
• Shower seats – offer stability if standing is difficult.
• Grab rails – make it easier to get in and out of a bath, or on and off the toilet, without help. They also lower slipping risk.

Mobility aids

These include a wide range of Parkinson’s mobility devices, from grab frames to powered lifts:

• Rise and recline chairs, which gently lift you to your feet at the touch of a button. Some, like ours, even come with heat and massage upgrades, which help with muscle soreness and relaxation
• Transfer aids for getting in/out of cars
• Bed rails
• Motion-triggered lighting

Sleeping aids

Good sleep can be a struggle when you’re feeling stiff and struggle to turn over. Here are some of the most popular options. 

• Adjustable beds – elevate your upper body or legs at the touch of a button. This helps with stiffness, circulation and easier transfers. Some of our beds also come with a massage function for soothing the day’s aches away. 
• SoundAsleep – this clever device uses clinically proven sound waves that help the brain relearn its natural sleep cycle – something that’s disrupted through stress and aging. It helps you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Mobility chairs for Parkinson’s

A mobility chair for Parkinson’s is designed to help with getting up, sitting down and staying comfortable for long periods. 

• Riser assistance – lifts you smoothly to a standing position without strain or effort. 
• Tilt-in-space – redistributes pressure for a feeling of weightlessness. 
• Lateral support – helpful if muscle rigidity affects posture.
• High backrests – reduce fatigue and provide lumbar support. 
• Massage – gently knead aching muscles to provide comfort and improve circulation. 

Riser recliners from Oak Tree are specifically built with these needs in mind.

FAQs about Parkinson’s and mobility

In this section, we’ll address some of the most common questions. 

How quickly do you lose mobility with Parkinson’s disease?

Each person’s progression is different. Some people experience slow, gradual changes, while others notice mobility issues sooner. Daily exercise, physiotherapy and tailored mobility aids can significantly help maintain independence.

Is Parkinson’s considered a disability?

Yes. Parkinson’s is considered a disability under UK equality laws, which means you are protected from discrimination and may be entitled to additional support. 

Your eligibility is determined according to your local authority though a needs assessment, which will take place at your home with an occupational therapist. 

What am I entitled to if I have Parkinson's?

You may be eligible for free or discounted equipment, benefits, home adaptations or travel support. All of our products are VAT-excempt for those living with a chronic illness or disability such as Parkinson’s.  

What are the best mobility devices for Parkinson's patients?

A combination approach works best – for example:

• A rollator for stable walking
• A riser recliner to support getting up
• An adjustable bed for easier nighttime movement
• Bath lifts for safe washing
• A wheelchair or mobility scooter for support on longer distances.

What is the best chair for someone with Parkinson's?

The best option is usually a rise and recline chair with tilt-in-space, supportive cushioning, and easy-to-use controls. These features support safer sitting and standing, while reducing strain on joints and muscles.

Is a rise and recline chair right for you?

A high-quality rise and recline chair provides targeted support for posture, transfers, and long-term comfort. It can be life-changing for anyone experiencing stiffness, fatigue or difficulty getting out of lower chairs.

Browse the full Oak Tree Mobility range to find a rise and recliner that’s right for you. 

Further reading

• Choosing home mobility aids
• Easy chair exercises  
• How adjustable beds help with mobility problems
• Impact of Parkinson’s Disease on Functional Mobility, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
• Parkinson’s Foundation guidance on mobility

NHS – Parkinson’s and walking supportHow to help someone with mobility issues