OTs can also offer solutions when Parkinson's disease hinders the many little jobs of daily living, from bathing and using the toilet to cooking and eating. These licensed practitioners ask, "What does the person need to do, want to do, and have to do to be able to maintain his daily activities, his life, and his lifestyle?" says Nancy Lowenstein, an OT at Boston University. The OT (occupational therapist) offers strategies and adaptive devices -- from extra-long shoehorns to utensils with built-up, easy-grip handles -- to navigate activities more easily and safely.

If the physical therapist prescribes a walker, for example, the OT might visit your family member at home to figure out how she'll use it while getting clothing out of the closet. With each problem at hand, Lowenstein says, the OT might advise changing the way she does the activity or making changes in the home environment. If she has trouble carrying items around the kitchen because of a tremor, she could use a small rolling cart to move them instead. The risk of slipping in the shower or bathtub could be reduced by adding grab bars, a tub seat, or both.

When possible, you or other family members should go to the initial physical therapy and occupational therapy visits with her. Understanding the challenges that she faces will make it easier to provide the kind of support and patience that she needs from you. You can remind her of the OT or PT's techniques and become part of the solution.

For instance, says Lowenstein, if stiffness and slowness make it a challenge for your family member to open a box of cereal, you could buy a container that's easy to open and transfer the cereal into it. Or if she has trouble bending down to reach the pots and pans on the bottom kitchen shelf, you might suggest moving them to a more convenient spot.