Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be daunting, but knowing which allied health professionals and medical supports and services you need to maintain your quality of life doesn’t have to be. In addition to your friends, family and carers, we recommend getting a specialist multidisciplinary care team together as soon as possible.

What is a care team?

What is a multidisciplinary care team?

Your care team is a group of health professionals who work together to support you in managing Parkinson’s. At a minimum, your team should include:

  • General Practitioner (GP) – Your first point of contact for overall health management.
  • Neurologist or Movement Disorder Specialist – A specialist in Parkinson’s who can guide treatment options.
  • Geriatrician – If needed, they can help manage age-related concerns.
  • Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist – A vital link between you and your healthcare team, offering guidance on symptom management.

Beyond these core members, you may benefit from additional specialists, depending on your symptoms and needs:

  • Physiotherapist (PT) – Helps maintain mobility and balance.
  • Exercise Physiologist (EP) – Designs tailored exercise programs to improve strength and flexibility.
  • Occupational Therapist (OT) – Assists with daily activities and home modifications. Can prescribe assistive technology.
  • Speech Pathologist – Supports communication and swallowing difficulties.
  • Neuro-urologist & Continence Specialist – Helps manage bladder and bowel concerns. Urologists also help with men’s sexual dysfunction issues.
  • Mental Health Professional – Psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors can provide emotional support.
  • Dietitian – Guides nutrition choices to support overall health.
  • Social worker – Provides advocacy, emotional support, and guidance for accessing services like NDIS.

Why should I get a team together early?

Parkinson’s symptoms can progress unpredictably, and early intervention can help slow their impact. Starting therapies early—even while you’re still working—can help maintain function and independence for longer. Your care team can provide preventative strategies and tailored interventions to support your wellbeing.

Additionally, NDIS supports are available for people under 65 living with Parkinson’s. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can help fund therapies, assistive technology, home modifications, and other services that improve your independence and quality of life. You can apply for an NDIS plan and ask your GP about a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Mental Health Plan to access allied health supports at subsidised fees.

Where can I look for care team members?

Refer to allied health therapy peak bodies in Australia to find one suitable for your situation and location, or arrange telehealth options. For example:

References: 

Goldman, J. G., Volpe, D., Ellis, T. D., Hirsch, M. A., Johnson, J., Wood, J., Aragon, A., Biundo, R., Di Rocco, A., Kasman, G. S., Iansek, R., Miyasaki, J., McConvey, V. M., Munneke, M., Pinto, S., St Clair, K. A., Toledo, S., York, M. K., Todaro, R., Yarab, N., … Wallock, K. (2024). Delivering Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Care in Parkinson’s Disease: An International Consensus Statement. Journal of Parkinson’s disease, 14 (1), 135–166. https://doi.org/10.3233/JPD-230117

Pirtošek, Z. Breaking barriers in Parkinson’s care: the multidisciplinary team approach. J Neural Transm 131, 1349–1361 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-024-02843-6

van Halteren, A. D., Munneke, M., Smit, E., Thomas, S., Bloem, B. R., & Darweesh, S. K. L. (2020). Personalized Care Management for Persons with Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Parkinson’s disease, 10(s1), S11–S20. https://doi.org/10.3233/JPD-202126

Weise, D., Claus, I., Dresel, C. et al. Multidisciplinary care in Parkinson’s disease. J Neural Transm 131, 1217–1227 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-024-02807-w

Share

Other articles

  • Employment | Disability Support Pension

    The DSP is an Australian Government income support payment for people who are under Age Pension age and whose medical condition significantly limits their ability to work. It is administered by Services Australia (Centrelink). The DSP is not based on your diagnosis alone. It is based on how your condition affects your daily functioning and your capacity to work — now and over the next two years. You may be eligible if you are under 65, have Parkinson's and meet both non-medical and medical criteria.

  • Gut, Bladder, Bowel | Managing bladder issues

    Living with Parkinson’s bladder issues can add an extra layer of frustration. With the right support and strategies, you can manage and even alleviate bladder issues to improve your quality of life.

  • CARERS | Carer Gateway support packages

    Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, so caring needs tend to grow over time. Getting support in place early, before you reach burnout,  is one of the most practical things you can do for yourself and for the person you care for. A lot of carers hold off because they feel their situation is not "bad enough," or that others have it harder. Carer Gateway is not just for crisis. If you are an unpaid carer for someone with Parkinson’s, you are eligible, full stop. Free support is available for Parkinson's care partners through Carer Gateway. Read more to find out what you can access and how to get started today.