Written by Kristin DeJohn Farmer | Last updated Feb. 4, 2026
Fact-checked by Patricia Silva, PhD
People with Parkinson’s disease have a much higher risk of falling and injury compared to the general population. Problems with balance, leg weakness, and freezing when walking are major culprits.
Parkinson’s psychosis symptoms — namely, hallucinations and delusions — can further increase the risk of falling. Having a well-designed home environment is part of a Parkinson’s psychosis safety checklist that can help prevent these problems.
Understanding Parkinson’s psychosis and safety risks
Managing safety in Parkinson’s disease often involves a delicate balancing act. Parkinson’s psychosis symptoms can arise from disease-related changes in the brain and may also be triggered or worsened by medications used to control motor symptoms and improve mobility.
Psychosis symptoms can include:
- Illusions or misperceptions: Mild or intermittent visual distortions, such as a shadow appearing as an animal or a coat rack resembling a person
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually present
- Delusions: Fixed false beliefs that feel real, even when evidence contradicts them
These changes in perception or belief can increase safety risks at home.
Falls and physical injury
Hallucinations and delusions can distort or change the way the surrounding environment appears. For instance, stepping into something that is perceived but not real. This increases the risk of falls and injury. Low light or low-visibility conditions can make hallucinations worse, further increasing the risk.
Confusion and disorientation
Reduced awareness that experiences are not real can lead to confusion or disorientation. This may result in unsafe actions such as wandering or attempting to leave the house.
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