08/22/2026
Occupational therapy and advanced Parkinson’s: What to expect
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, your daily routines and support needs may evolve. You may notice new difficulties with movement, thinking, or completing familiar tasks. In advanced stages, you may find yourself relying more on your caregivers for help.
A personalized occupational therapy plan can meet you where you are. By taking a goal-oriented approach, occupational therapy can complement advanced Parkinson’s disease treatment and give you practical ways to stay safe, maintain independence, and manage changes in your abilities over time.
How occupational therapy can help
Occupational therapists can suggest ways to adapt your daily activities — from getting out of bed to making dinner — and manage symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s.
“We really look at the person, the environment, and the occupations — the activities that we need to do every day,” says Joni Kamiya, an occupational therapist based in Oahu, Hawaii.
With advanced Parkinson’s, you may face multiple issues, she says, so the focus of occupational therapy should be on finding ways to support your overall functioning.
Introducing practical strategies for daily living
Advanced Parkinson’s often entails progressive motor and cognitive symptoms — such as slowed movements and memory problems — which can affect daily life and relationships.
Over time, you may notice it has become more challenging to get dressed, shower, or brush your hair. An occupational therapist can recommend adaptive clothing or tools, bathroom modifications, and grooming techniques that accommodate individual needs.
They can also teach you how to break down physical tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, use reminders and labeling systems, and enhance safety by recommending mobility aids, safe transfer methods, and home adaptations to reduce tripping hazards.
Finally, an occupational therapist can help you continue to participate in the activities you enjoy, such as socializing or engaging in hobbies. Examples include recommendations for communication aids to facilitate chatting with friends, as well as suggestions for ergonomic tools for gardening and improved lighting for reading.
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