Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists help people get back to doing what they need and want to. By utilizing interventions like everyday activities, occupational therapists can promote, restore, and improve one’s health and well-being in meaningful ways. These activities can include caring for oneself, engaging in recreational or physical activities, returning to work, volunteering, etc.
Why should someone with Parkinson’s consider occupational therapy?
An occupational therapist can assist you in different ways at every stage of the PD progression. Occupational therapists can assist people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) with augmentative and alternative communication devices (such as an iPad or dictation app on a smartphone), home modifications, driving cessation, hand therapy, and preventative care. Occupational therapy can also help someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in preventative care and maintaining independence.
What do Occupational therapy services generally include?
There is an initial evaluation that includes your history, life experiences, and interests to understand what you want to work on. An intervention plan will be developed to meet your needs, preferences, and goals.
What are some other ways occupational therapists can help people with PD?
Provide guidance on the best equipment to complete tasks that have become difficult, like maintaining balance during dressing and meal preparation
Make recommendations for home adaptations to floors and restrooms for increased safety
Help you strategize ways to get back to work and maintain independence
Educate on ways to conserve energy throughout the day
Many people have PT; what is the difference between OT and PT, and could you have both?
Occupational therapists aim to help make activities and tasks easier. They focus on improving specific tasks and daily functions. Physical therapists focus on overall movement. For example, physical therapists might work on overall balance when standing or moving, versus an occupational therapist will work on balance during specific activities.
How can someone obtain OT services?
You generally would need a referral from your physician. You can talk to your doctor or neurologist who can provide a referral to occupational therapy for one or more tasks you are finding difficult to complete or engage in. You can also get information about occupational therapists in your community from your local Parkinson’s organization, such as an American Parkinson’s Disease Association chapter. There is also a database of certified occupational therapists certified in LSVT BIG- (a Parkinson's-specific program). It will be beneficial to see an occupational therapist who specializes in Parkinson’s disease or see someone via telehealth.
About the Author
This article was written by Power for Parkinson’s Occupational Therapy Internship Alumna, Mary Grace Lagasca, OTD.