New Diagnosis Workshop: How Can a Social Worker, SLP, and OT Help? (2024)

In this webinar, Parkinson Society BC highlighted the essential roles of speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and social work in supporting individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The presentation outlined common challenges such as speech difficulties, swallowing issues, mobility limitations, and emotional struggles, stressing the importance of early intervention.

Speech-language pathologists were shown to help manage speech, voice, and swallowing changes through targeted strategies. Occupational therapists focused on enhancing daily function and independence through personalised interventions, including home adaptations and energy conservation techniques. Social workers provided emotional support, counselling, and guidance on accessing healthcare and community resources.

The session also addressed communication barriers and dysphagia, offering practical tools to improve safety and quality of life. Throughout the webinar, self-management, resilience, and maintaining hope were encouraged as key components of living well with Parkinson’s.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**