Pathfinder is a simple device invented by the daughter of a Parkinson’s patient. The main hazard for patients with Parkinson’s is falling (often due to freezing). This device attaches to the patient’s shoes and beams a laser, which helps the patient to walk safely.
Patients with Parkinson’s have lost most of their dopamine (a brain chemical). This means that when they are say walking down a gentle slope, their brain gets confused and it’s like going down a cliff-edge, and they often fall. Experiments in the US found that when doctors placed sheets of typing paper on the floor (creating an ‘obstacle’ to walk over’), lots of patients were then able to walk normally.
So this is in essence a modern version of that. You can buy walking sticks with attached lasers (and much safer walking ‘zimmer frames’), but unless your GP funds them, they work out very expensive. This is a far more affordable alternative that you can buy online, and it attaches to most shoes. Just charge it overnight then after a few hours, it gets to work! The founders say to wear hard flat shoes with little heels (not flops or indoor slippers with no heel cap).
The device is splash-resistant but should not be submerged in water. You can’t adjust the laser brighteness because there are regulations on brightness, so it may be difficult to see in bright sunlight, but many users report it’s fine to use in outdoor environments.
Take a look on their website too for other conditions, as they have just developed a tool to help feel better foot sensation, to help patients with diabetes, MS and stroke.