Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s
Promoting Independence, Safety & Quality of Life
Occupational Therapy (OT) plays an essential role in helping people with Parkinson’s live life to the fullest — supporting independence, safety, and participation in daily activities that bring meaning and joy.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy helps people engage in the activities (or “occupations”) they want, need, and are expected to do every day — despite challenges caused by Parkinson’s or other conditions.
OTs work in hospitals, rehab centers, long-term care, outpatient clinics, schools, and community programs.
Occupations may include:
- Dressing, eating, and bathing
- Household tasks
- Hobbies and recreation
- Work or volunteer roles
- Social and family activities
The goal of OT is to help individuals maintain independence and safety while adapting tasks or environments to meet their changing needs.
How Occupational Therapy Helps with Parkinson’s
As Parkinson’s progresses, changes in movement, coordination, posture, and cognition can make everyday activities more challenging.
Occupational Therapy helps individuals:
- Improve balance, coordination, and strength
- Maintain safe mobility and transfers
- Learn energy conservation and pacing techniques
- Use adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Support caregivers with training and positioning strategies
- Plan daily activities around medication timing and fatigue levels
What to Expect in OT
Your occupational therapist will begin with a personalized assessment of your physical abilities, environment, and goals. Together, you’ll develop a plan that focuses on meaningful activities — because every person’s journey with Parkinson’s is different.
Therapy may include:
- Postural and strengthening exercises
- Balance and coordination training
- Functional mobility and transfer practice
- Activity modification to make daily tasks easier and safer
- Caregiver training for safe assistance and support
Activity & Environment Modification
Simple adjustments can make a big difference in independence and safety at home:
Seating:
- Use more chairs throughout the home to rest between activities
- Perform certain tasks while seated
- Choose taller chairs for easier standing
Timing:
- Plan tasks around medication “on” times
- Break up longer tasks into shorter, manageable parts
The Big Picture:
Ask: Do I need to do every part of the task the same way — or can I adapt it to reach the same goal?
Adaptive Equipment & Home Safety
Occupational Therapists can recommend Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Adaptive Equipment (AE) to promote independence in daily routines:
Eating:
- 16 one-hour individual sessions (4x/week for 4 weeks)
- High-intensity, amplitude-focused exercises
- Improves gait, balance, and overall mobility
- Encourages long-term “thinking BIG” in everyday life
Bathroom:
- Grab bars
- Every 6–12 months for “tune-ups” and goal updates
- Shower chairs or tub transfer benches
- Handheld shower heads and long-handled sponges
These tools help make self-care activities safer, more efficient, and less tiring.
LSVT BIG® – Evidence-Based OT for Parkinson’s
LSVT BIG is a specialized, research-based therapy program designed to help people with Parkinson’s move more normally by using bigger, more intentional motions.
It focuses on:
- Increasing balance and walking pace
- Improving trunk rotation and posture
- Reducing fall risk
- Recalibrating how much effort is needed for normal movement
This high-intensity approach uses the same principles of neuroplasticity as LSVT LOUD — retraining the brain to “think BIG” and move with purpose.
Supporting Caregivers
Caregivers are an essential part of the Parkinson’s journey.
OTs provide education, training, and emotional support to help reduce burnout and ensure safe, sustainable care routines.
Therapists can assist caregivers with:
- Safe transfer techniques
- Proper body mechanics
- Positioning for comfort and prevention of injury
- Energy conservation tips
- Access to community and respite resources
Why Occupational Therapy Matters
Occupational Therapy has a role in every stage of Parkinson’s disease — from early education to late-stage support.
OTs help individuals:
- Stay safe and independent at home
- Continue participating in favorite activities
- Improve mobility and confidence
- Support caregivers in daily routines
- Adapt to changes in ability with compassion and creativity
Resources
Explore more about OT and Parkinson’s from trusted organizations:
Get Started
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, Occupational Therapy can help you stay active, safe, and independent — every step of the way.
Contact the Indiana Parkinson Foundation at 317-550-5648 or info@indianaparkinson.org.
