Occupational therapy
There may be many life changes after a person is given a
diagnosis of Parkinson's. Occupational therapists have expertise in
helping people to adapt to these changes.
They help people to get the most out of life by being able to
carry on with the activities that are important to them. These
include:
- Personal care - getting dressed, cleaning
teeth, shopping, washing and bathing
- Productivity - paid or unpaid work, and
housework
- Leisure - sports, hobbies and social
life.
Occupational therapists help people with Parkinson's and their
families to identify the problems that are affecting their
lifestyle, by looking at their particular physical, social and
emotional needs.
When these difficulties have been identified, occupational
therapists can assist in the following ways:
- give advice on the way that the course of the condition can
affect everyday life
- work alongside the person and their family to plan the most
appropriate daily or weekly routines that will enable them to carry
out important activities
- teach the person and their family new strategies for coping
with the physical and psychological problems that may affect
everyday life
- advise on equipment to use at home or at work to enable a
person to continue to carry out their everyday activities
- provide advice, information and support to enable a person to
use transport, community and leisure opportunities to the full
- help a person maintain and improve their social life through
planned, staged support programmes
Occupational therapists undertake a three-year full-time degree
course, during which they learn about the practical, emotional and
social aspects of disability. They work closely alongside other
members of both health and social services. Some occupational
therapists also work as private practitioners.
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