This course equips health and social care professionals with the specialized knowledge, practical skills, and person-centred approaches needed to support individuals at every stage of Parkinson’s disease—enhancing mobility, communication, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life.

Over six interactive modules, you will learn to:

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Explore the pathophysiology, motor and non-motor symptoms, and disease progression

Recognise the impact of Parkinson’s on cognition, mood, sleep, and autonomic functions

Comprehensive Assessment & Care Planning

Use validated tools (e.g., UPDRS, PDQ-39) and collaborative interviews to map needs and priorities

Co-create individualized care plans that address medication timing (“on/off” phases), exercise, nutrition, and daily routines

Mobility & Physical Support

Implement evidence-based physiotherapy exercises, balance activities, and cueing techniques to reduce freezing and falls

Safely assist with transfers, gait training, and adaptive equipment (e.g., weighted utensils, walkers)

Communication & Swallowing Management

Apply speech therapy strategies (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, pacing cues) to improve volume and clarity

Recognise dysphagia risks and coordinate safe swallowing strategies and referrals to speech and language therapists

Emotional Wellbeing & Cognitive Strategies

Identify anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes; integrate counselling, mindfulness, and cognitive stimulation approaches

Foster social engagement through group activities, peer support, and meaningful hobbies

Medication, Nutrition & Multi-disciplinary Collaboration

Understand common pharmacological regimens, timing considerations, and side-effect monitoring

Coordinate effectively with neurologists, therapists, dietitians, and carers to adjust interventions as the disease evolves

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Articulate the complex, fluctuating nature of Parkinson’s and its holistic impact.

Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop dynamic, “on/off”-aware care plans.

Deliver targeted physical and communication support to maximize function and safety.

Address emotional and cognitive challenges with evidence-based psychosocial interventions.

Navigate medication management, dietary needs, and collaborate seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams.

Empower those living with Parkinson’s to maintain independence, dignity, and engagement—providing compassionate, expertise-driven care every step of the way.