How Can an Occupational Therapist Help?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and cognitive function. While it’s most commonly associated with tremors and stiffness, Parkinson’s can have wide-ranging effects on a person’s daily life. For those diagnosed with the condition, maintaining independence and quality of life becomes a central focus—and this is where occupational therapy plays a vital role.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the brain cells responsible for producing dopamine—an important chemical that coordinates movement—begin to deteriorate. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors.
Parkinson’s typically develops in people over the age of 60, but it can also affect younger people in some cases.
Common symptoms include:
- Tremors (usually starting in the hands or fingers)
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Muscle rigidity or stiffness
- Postural instability and balance issues
- Shuffling gait
- Speech and writing difficulties
- Fatigue, depression, and anxiety
As the disease progresses, these symptoms can interfere with simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt, making a cup of tea, or walking across a room.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Parkinson’s
Occupational therapy (OT) is about helping people participate in the activities they need and want to do. For individuals with Parkinson’s, this often means finding ways to adapt daily routines, conserve energy, and maintain independence for as long as possible.
An occupational therapist (OT) works holistically, not just looking at the symptoms but considering how the condition impacts a person’s life—from work to home to hobbies. The OT’s role is to support the individual in living a meaningful and purposeful life, even as the disease progresses.
Here are several key ways an OT can help someone living with Parkinson’s:
1. Maintaining Independence in Daily Activities
As Parkinson’s progresses, everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, grooming, or cooking can become more challenging. An OT can assess your routine and environment to offer practical strategies, adaptive equipment, or energy-saving techniques to help you or your loved one stay as independent as possible.
For example:
- Using a long-handled sponge to make showering easier
- Recommending slip-on shoes or Velcro fasteners instead of buttons and laces
- Creating step-by-step guides for complex tasks
- Installing grab rails or non-slip mats in the bathroom
2. Improving Fine Motor Skills and Handwriting
Many people with Parkinson’s experience changes in fine motor coordination, leading to difficulty with writing, using cutlery or managing zippers. Occupational therapists use specific exercises and tools to help maintain hand strength and dexterity.
A technique called “cueing” (such as using visual or verbal reminders) can also help with tasks that require focus and timing, like handwriting or buttoning a shirt.
3. Energy Conservation and Fatigue Management
Fatigue is a common and often invisible symptom of Parkinson’s. It can be frustrating and limiting, especially when it affects your ability to do things you enjoy.
An OT can help you pace your activities by:
- Prioritising daily tasks
- Planning rest breaks throughout the day
- Learning how to “segment” or break tasks into smaller steps
- Rearranging your home or workspace to reduce unnecessary movement
4. Cognitive Support and Routine Building
Parkinson’s can also affect memory, attention, and problem-solving. Occupational therapists can help by creating structured routines, visual reminders, or organisational tools to support mental clarity.
Examples might include:
- Checklists for morning routines
- Weekly planners to remember medication times
- Apps or alarms for reminders
- Techniques to reduce multitasking and improve focus
5. Home and Workplace Modifications
An OT can conduct a home assessment to identify potential hazards and recommend changes to reduce the risk of falls or injuries. This might include:
- Improving lighting in hallways and staircases
- Removing rugs or tripping hazards
- Using furniture that offers more stability or easier access
- Positioning workstations to reduce strain and increase efficiency
They may also assist with navigating changes in the workplace, especially if the person is still working and needs accommodations.
6. Support for Carers and Family
Occupational therapists don’t only work with the person diagnosed—they also support families and carers. OTs can provide education about the condition, teach safe handling techniques, and offer advice on managing stress and burnout for carers.
Having someone in your corner who understands the journey and can provide practical support can be a huge relief to families navigating life with Parkinson’s.
7. Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology
There is a wide range of tools and technology that can make life easier for someone with Parkinson’s. An OT can recommend and teach the use of:
- Weighted utensils to reduce hand tremors while eating
- Voice-activated devices to control lights or music
- Apps for medication tracking or voice reminders
- Mobility aids such as walkers with laser cueing
The right tools can make a big difference in confidence and independence.
Parkinson’s disease is a journey filled with ups and downs, but occupational therapy can help smooth the road by promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life. With the right support and strategies in place, people living with Parkinson’s can continue to do the things that matter most to them—whether that’s baking with their grandchildren, going for a walk, or managing daily routines with more ease.