NDIS Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (Guide)
Are you living with Parkinson’s disease and in need of support? Are you looking at ways to improve your day-to-day quality of life? If so, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may be able to help. If you’re needing advice, support and know how, here’s how to access NDIS Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease so you can get back on track. In house NDIS OT shares the essentials about NDIS, Occupational Therapy (OT) and how it can help.
In this article you'll learn:
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How Common Is Parkinson’s Disease In Australia?
Parkinson’s disease in Australia is likely more common than you would think with 4 in 1000 people living with the disease.
You see nearly, 219,000 people live with PD, with 20% of these people being diagnosed before the age of 50 (Fight Parkinson’s, 2022).
Which means for many people living with PD who are under the age of 65 years of age, well you’re one step towards getting support form the NDIS.
What Is The NDIS?
The NDIS provides funding for a range of services and support for people with disabilities, including occupational therapy.
The NDIS is a government-funded program aimed at providing support for people with disabilities in Australia.
The goal of the scheme is to help you participate in doing the activities that are important to you be at home or in the community. The NDIS refers to this as pursing an “ordinary life”.
Yes, Parkinson’s disease is considered a disability and is covered by the NDIS. But you need to be able to demonstrate how PD impacts your ability to live your life. In short, how does it show up in your life? It’s this functional criteria that the NDIS is focused on, not so much as the name of the condition or the disease.
That’s where an OT can help.
How to Access the NDIS
To access the NDIS, you’ll need to demonstrate your eligibility.
First, are you under the age of 65 years of age?
Secondly, this typically involves providing evidence of your disability, such as a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, and how your disability affects your daily life. The NDIS will then assess your eligibility and determine the level of support you are eligible for. You’ll have this information at your first plan meeting. Coming to this meeting prepared, like the start of a race, is key to get out of the starting blocks well.
How Can the NDIS Help People with Parkinson’s Disease?
The NDIS provides funding for a range of services and support for people with Parkinson’s disease, including occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can help you manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and support you to participate in activities that are important to you.
When to apply for NDIS access (things to consider)
You can apply for NDIS access at any time.
However, it’s important to consider the timing of your application. For example, if you have early onset Parkinson’s disease, it may be important to apply for NDIS access as soon as possible. If your Parkinson’s disease is causing symptoms that are restricting your life, that it’s making it harder to achieve your life goals, it may be a just be the time to apply for NDIS access.
What Does An Occupational Therapist Do For People Living with Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease Occupational Therapy can help you manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and support you to participate in activities that are important to you.
An OT can provide a range of services, that can tackle those challenges you may face on a daily basis. This can be associated with:
slow movements , muscle rigidity or tightness, initiating movement ” getting stuck” or freezing of gait.
trouble maintaining your daily routine especially sleep
difficulty with fine motor tasks such as managing buttons or cutlery
These can all add up to difficulties with personal care, work, leisure and the more complex activities of life like shopping, driving and cooking, for example.
So, PD clearly affects more than just movement. Your OT can help by looking at your specific PD experience as everyone is different.
Living with PD: 4 Key Points To Find The Right OT For You
Finding the right occupational therapist (OT) to help a person living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can make all the difference in their quality of life.
Look for an OT with specialized training and experience in treating PD.
Ask for recommendations from your neurologist, local Parkinson’s support groups, or friends and family who have received OT services.
It’s also important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and can easily communicate with.
Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials and to meet with the therapist before making a decision.
No doubt, finding the right OT can be a game-changer for someone with PD.
NDIS Occupational Therapy Services for Parkinson’s Disease
If you have Parkinson’s disease and are eligible for NDIS support, you can expect to receive a range of occupational therapy services.
This may include:
Occupational Therapy Assessment for NDIS Access: this is a functional assessment to support your request to access the NDIS. Once you’ve accessed the NDIS your OT services with sit within “Improved Daily Living : Capacity Building” area of you plan.
functional movement programs, such as the LSVT BIG or our in house program “Functional For Life”
Your OT can work with you to develop a plan that meets your individual needs and goals.
Summing up, the NDIS provides funding for a range of services and support for people with Parkinson’s disease, including occupational therapy.
If you’re living with Parkinson’s disease and in need of support, consider accessing the NDIS and working with a NDIS OT to develop a support plan that meets your individual needs and goals.
