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My husband is in the second stage of Parkinson’s. In the last, month he has had 2 falls. Is this the beginning of stage 3?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Tri Cities, Tennessee

He has been reluctant to use walking aids. He uses a cane in public but won’t at home. We have a walker but he doesn’t want to admit he may need that. He hasn’t been injured yet but the last fall was hard. His shuffle and gait have gotten much worse. I worry constantly every where we go that he will fall. He has lots of trouble with short term memory. Any suggestions on getting him to use a walker or should I let him be with the cane? He doesn’t go back to neurology for two more months. He is… read more

September 10
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

The stages of Parkinson's as authored are not that clean cut. that saying "one step forward, two steps back" holds some truth. There exists overlap between stages. Some of us fall right out of the gate. As far as the cane or walker. I suggest the cane and your arm for a while. It takes time to accept dependency on handicap things. They put a label in his mind that says " I am going downhill " a bit faster than he wants to accept. That possibly is not stubbornness, maybe it is a mixture of fear of reliance on devices that highlight his weakness in his mind. Just a thought. The fight he has inside him not to give up - is a good thing it will help him in the long run. Talk with him about your concerns with him falling. He could really injure himself and that combined with the Parkinson's would be a very hard road to travel to say the least. Let him know that it really worries you constantly and that you are going to figure this out together. I do truly understand his desire " not to want to give in" it takes time to accept these radical changes that are currently described as progressive and permanent without a cure. Think about that huge change in your life that you did not ask for, do not want, and are stuck with till you leave this world. And your doctors tell you it is progressive. Talk about hard pills to swallow. We need to make sure we educate him on the seriousness of falls. For you as his caretaker it is a balancing act. I can hear the sincerity and caring in your voice. Unfortunately, it is not a simple transition for your #1 person. You both will have to develop an understanding of what he is going thru and how he interprets it. Then together you will be able to help him and you accept "the now." Do not worry about the future that makes things far too complicated. If you must talk about the future keep it very brief. Adapting to today's reality will be easier with the understanding and acceptance. Realize it will take time and the road is bumpy. Being real helps. If you need to talk, reach out. Best Wishes Kay

6 days ago (edited)
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Has he done the LSVT-Big physical therapy yet? That can help a lot with walking. My husband was in stage 3 when he was officially diagnosed in 2020, because he was already starting to festinate and fall. Meds helped and then he did the LSVT-Big program. Now he is doing Rock Steady Boxing. He rarely falls now and when he does it's usually because of stepping over something and misjudging the distance or height. He doesn't use a walker and doesn't really need one, though it might help with his confidence. I've noticed that he walks better when we're at the grocery store and he's pushing a cart.

September 10
MyParkinsonsTeam

It's completely understandable to worry, and it's clear how much you care about keeping him safe. Two falls in a month, worsening shuffle and gait, and increased balance issues can indeed be signs of progression toward stage 3, where balance loss becomes a key concern and falls become more common. That said, only his Show Full Answer

It's completely understandable to worry, and it's clear how much you care about keeping him safe. Two falls in a month, worsening shuffle and gait, and increased balance issues can indeed be signs of progression toward stage 3, where balance loss becomes a key concern and falls become more common. That said, only his neurologist can formally assess his stage.

It may be worth calling the neurology office now rather than waiting two months — falls are exactly the kind of change they need to know about promptly. On the walker question — this is such a common struggle. Many MyParkinsonsTeam members have felt the same resistance, but some have come around. As one MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "I just gave in to using a walker. I am so excited at the difference it has made for me. My falls have decreased, and I can walk much longer distances."

Sometimes reframing helps. Instead of "giving in," it can be positioned as a tool that gives him more independence and freedom — not less. A few approaches worth trying:

- Ask his neurologist to recommend it — hearing it from a doctor often lands differently than hearing it from a spouse
- Point out he already uses a cane in public — the walker is just the next step in staying active and safe
- Focus on what he gains — longer walks, fewer falls, more confidence
- Let him try it casually at home without pressure, so it feels like his choice In the meantime, some home adjustments can reduce fall risk while he's still using the cane indoors:

- Remove throw rugs and clutter from walking paths
- Add grab bars in the bathroom
- Make sure all areas are well lit
- Mark step edges with brightly colored tape

Stubbornness and Parkinson's can be quite the combination — but his safety matters, and so does your peace of mind. You're doing the right thing by paying close attention.

September 10

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