Occupational Therapy and Staying Independent
People with Parkinson's disease (PD) want to remain as independent for as long as possible. These publications offer some practical advice.
You might also like to work with an occupational therapist (OT) who focuses on helping peole remain independent, especially with their activities of daily living and work/social goals. If you are in Northern or Central California, contact us for a referral to an OT near you.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
How Can Occupational Therapy Help Me Optimize My Environment for Parkinson's
Published by Davis Phinney Foundation
This short article explains that the goal of occupational therapy (OT) is to help you be as independent as possible for as long as possible. To meet that goal, an OT can help you maintain or strengthen your ability to care for yourself, care for your house, take care of your loved ones, and get around in the community. The page has a link to a home safety checklist and more articles about occupational therapy.
Advice from an OT
Activities of Daily Living
By Parkinson Canada, March 16, 2018
This 37-minute lecture by occupational therapist Karen Hall shares tips on how you can continue to engage in your activities of daily living with modifications to your tasks and/or environment. Ms. Hall shares several strategies for safety and mobility, including specific examples of clothes, tools and adaptive technology.
Thriving Through Occupational Therapy: Ask the OT Anything
By American Parkinson Disease Association, October 16, 2025
In this one hour talk by occupational therapist (OT) Monika Lukasieswicz explains the factors that make doing a task easier or more difficult. Those factors can be something going on with the person with PD, the environment, or carepartner(s). In answering listener questions she uses this triad of factors to think through how to improve handwriting, get in/out and turn in bed, etc. She also shares resources like AskSAMIE which has OT-approved adaptive tools, safety and mobility products, and more.
Short Lists of Tips or Gadgets
Everyday Helpful Hints
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, 2008
This two-page pamphlet provides proven ways to simplify life’s daily challenges for people with Parkinson’s to help maintain the greatest degree of personal dignity and independence.
Hand Tremors: Adaptive Utensils and Eating Aids
Published by Daily Caring
Adaptive utensils, plates and cups make it easier to eat so mealtime is more enjoyable and those who need them are more likely to stay well-nourished.
Tips for Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
By Anne-Marie Botek. Published by AgingCare.com
Dr. Andrew Feigin shares how to cope with freezing gait, shaking hands too badly to get money out of a wallet, difficulty swallowing food, and leaning forward when walking. In addition to tips for each, he recommends speech, physical, occupational, and art therapies.
Tips for Dressing Someone with Parkinson’s
Published by AgingCare.com
This webpage is a list of tips for dressing, including taking the right attitude, adaptive clothing, assisting with shaving and makeup, tips for hair care, manicure and pedicure, and creating a dressing routine that encourages ease of dressing, self care, and safety.
Longer Guides
Be Independent
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, 2009
This 41-page booklet contains suggested techniques and useful aids that can help people to remain independent for as long as possible. Ideas and equipment for activities in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen as well as for grooming, dressing, walking/mobility, managing medication and fatigue are included, followed by miscellaneous safety and convenience tips and a message to the family.
Simplifying Daily Care for Someone with Parkinson’s Disease
By Denise Clark. Published by AgingCare.com, February 17, 2020
This webpage promotes adapting the home environment to deal with the challenges Parkinson’s presents and to make everyday routines easier -- such as eating, bathing, and dressing -- to lengthen quality of life and lower stresses of completing activities of daily living.
Medical ID Card
Medical ID Card
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association
This printable wallet-sized ID card states, "I HAVE PARKINSON'S DISEASE. Please allow me time to communicate. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological movement disorder. I may slur my words, seem unsteady on my feet or not be able to move at all. I am aware of what is going on. Please be patient with me. If I need help, kindly contact the person listed on the other side of this card. Thank you for your help and understanding."
Last updated September 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.