Allied Health Spotlight: Partnering with an Occupational Therapist

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. They include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson's care team that attends to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being. Many people are familiar with physical and speech therapists, but fewer recognize the valuable benefits of working with an occupational therapist (OT). An OT helps identify the activities that you enjoy and ensures strategies are in place so you can continue doing what matters most. They work with you to adapt your environment, tap into your strengths, and create realistic strategies so you can keep living life on your terms. In this episode, Karyssa Silva, MS, OTR/L, CLT, an occupational therapist at Aldersbridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Outpatient Center in Rhode Island, shares how she helps people with Parkinson's with daily tasks and activities that bring them joy. She works closely with people with PD and their loved ones to address physical and mental challenges, empowering them to stay engaged in the activities they value the most. During the episode, Karyssa mentions that people sometimes walk away from their OT appointment and wonder if they missed something important. Here's a worksheet to help organize your thoughts and make the most of your time during appointments. Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback.