## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library) Fact Sheets # Occupational Therapy & Parkinson's [Download Fact Sheet](https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/occupational-therapy-2026.pdf) Occupational therapists help people keep doing activities they enjoy and handle daily tasks in practical ways that work for them. They can offer support at any point in your Parkinson’s disease (PD) journey. #### Many people find occupational therapy helpful, especially when: - Daily activities like dressing or cooking are harder to manage - You have fallen or worry about falling - Fatigue or thinking changes are affecting your daily routines - Your writing is smaller or difficult to control - Driving feels less safe or more stressful - You want to stay involved in hobbies or activities you enjoy - Work tasks take more time, energy or focus than before - You want your home assessed for safety or guidance on changes for now or later ### Quick Facts - Parkinson’s can make daily routines more challenging over time. - Occupational therapists can show you ways to adapt activities and your surroundings to make everyday tasks safer and easier. - Starting occupational therapy early can help you stay independent longer. ### What Occupational Therapist Do Occupational therapists look at how Parkinson’s affects your daily life — from everyday tasks to staying active in your community. They focus on practical approaches that support safety, comfort and independence in the activities that matter most to you. #### Your occupational therapist will: **1. Understand your lifestyle** This includes learning about your routines, strengths and priorities to help you set meaningful goals. **2. Identify what’s making tasks harder** Your therapist observes how you do daily activities and notes anything that makes them more difficult or less safe, such as movement changes, fatigue or the layout of your home. **3. Make a personalized plan** The plan helps you reach your goals. It may include changes to your home, such as creating safe pathways or adding grab bars. It may also include adapting how you do activities, such as sitting for safety or to save energy. Tools, technology, help from a care partner or a personal aide may also be part of the plan. **4. Test the plan and adjust** You try the strategies taught during therapy sessions in your daily life. Share what helps and what doesn’t. Your therapist then adjusts the plan to better fit your needs and help you reach your goals. ### Occupational Therapy Supports Care Partners Occupational therapists work with care partners to find practical ways to support daily routines and shared goals. This may include learning how to offer help without taking over, using reminders or cues and practicing safe ways to assist with everyday activities. ### How to Find an Occupational Therapist Some occupational therapists have experience working with Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions. Ask your care team for a referral, or contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1‐800‐4PD‐INFO or for guidance. If there isn't an occupational therapist with experience in Parkinson’s nearby, many therapists are willing to learn. The Parkinson’s Foundation offers online courses through the **[Learning Lab](http://education.parkinson.org)**. Resources from the American Occupational Therapy Association and programs such as LSVT BIG or PWR!Moves can help your therapist build skills for Parkinson's care. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover occupational therapy. A doctor’s prescription may be required. ### Occupational Therapy Locations Therapy can take place in many settings, such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers or at home. Some occupational therapists offer in-home visits, which can sometimes be arranged after a hospital stay or through home health services if leaving your home is difficult. ### Your Support Team Occupational therapists often work with physical therapy, speech therapy and the other members of your care team. A team‐based approach can help you stay active, safe and involved in what matters most to you. ### Tips for Working with an Occupational Therapist - **Set goals that matter to you.** Be open and honest about what’s challenging and what you want to keep doing. - **Check in once a year or as you notice changes.** It’s easier to learn new strategies as your needs change than to try to adjust habits later on. - **Lean on your therapist’s recommendations.** They take the guesswork out of what to try next. ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ Physical Therapy and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/physical-therapy) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/physical-therapy) Fact Sheets ### [ Speech & Swallowing in Parkinson’s ](/library/fact-sheets/speech-swallowing) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/speech-swallowing) Podcasts ### [ Episode 60: What is a Disease Modifying Therapy in PD? ](/library/podcast/60) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/60) ## Related Blog Posts ![Neurologists looking at brain scans](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/sn-5-2026-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=XlXeezsl) Science News ### [ Two New Studies Show Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation May Improve Walking in Parkinson’s ](/blog/science-news/adaptive-deep-brain-stimulation) READ NOW ![10 years of the Parkinson's Foundation](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/10-years-merger-blog-preview.png?h=9105c3fe&itok=yyxAbgPF) Raise Awareness ### [ 10 Years of Progress: Top Parkinson’s Foundation Accomplishments ](/blog/awareness/ten-year-anniversary) READ NOW ![A couple walking through the airport with their bags](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/traveling-tips-blog.jpg?h=691902eb&itok=ccrNj1D3) Tips for Daily Living ### [ 8 Tips for Traveling with Parkinson’s ](/blog/tips/traveling-tips) READ NOW ### Find Local Support Find your nearest Parkinson's Foundation chapter for local events, support groups, care facilities and more. 10 Miles 25 Miles 50 Miles 100 Miles 250 Miles ### Subscribe for the latest news - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn