Living well with Parkinson’s through team-based support
Empowering people with Parkinson’s to live well with the right support.
A Parkinson’s diagnosis affects far more than movement. It touches identity, confidence, relationships and daily life. But as Henry, Casey and Rhonda show us, the right support can help people adapt, rebuild and continue doing the things they love.
Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological condition in Australia, affecting more than 150,000 Australians, with 50 or so people diagnosed every day1. As symptoms change over time, so do the supports people need. That’s why a multi-disciplinary approach is considered best practice for a person's long‑term wellbeing. It's also why organisations like integratedliving play a vital role in helping people stay independent at home and connected to their communities.
Their stories and experiences with a coordinated team of health professionals show us why.
Henry: Rebuilding confidence with the right support
When Henry was diagnosed nine years ago, the emotional toll was immediate.
“When you get the first diagnosis, you go to rock bottom… More silence. More dark places.”
With encouragement from his family and structured support from his case manager, support worker and physiotherapist - Henry slowly began to rebuild his confidence.
His physiotherapy sessions helped him maintain mobility, while his support worker assists with domestic assistance.
His case manager (now known as a care partner) coordinated the services and ensured Henry received the right help at the right time. It includes a motorised scooter purchased through aged-care funding that has helped him stay mobile and continue caring for his property.
“That helped me immensely… I could get about and do some of my chores on the property.”
His experience reflects the emotional and practical challenges many people face after a diagnosis. Parkinson’s can affect a person's emotional wellbeing just as much as physical ability. Early multi-disciplinary support can make a meaningful difference and ensuring quality of life is maintained2.
Casey: Support that strengthens families
Casey has lived with Parkinson’s for over 27 years. As symptoms progressed, he and his wife Sue realised they needed extra help.
“I accepted that I need the help,” Casey said. “Teresa, my support worker, comes every week.”
Casey now receives personal care, domestic assistance and social support from integratedliving support workers, helping him stay comfortable, connected and engaged in his community. He has also received nursing care, ensuring his health needs are monitored and meal delivery which takes pressure off daily routines and supports his nutrition.
For Casey's wife Sue, the coordinated support of a professional team has been transformative.
“Having respite, personal care and domestic assistance means the time I have with Casey is more enjoyable.”
Their experience highlights the essential role of a multi-disciplinary team including support workers, nurses and care managers (formerly known as case managers) in helping families stay strong, connected and supported.
The Parkinson’s Australia support body emphasises that carers benefit significantly from structured respite and coordinated support, which can help to reduce stress and improve family wellbeing3.
Rhonda: Finding strength and joy through movement
Rhonda reached out for help when she realised she wasn’t progressing with managing her Parkinson's on her own.
“Somebody told me about this course at integratedliving … I have not looked back since.”
Through Wellness Centre programs led by exercise physiologists and personal trainers, Rhonda has seen benefits that include increased strength, voice projection and confidence.
“I walk out of that class feeling exhilarated.”
Rhonda's experience aligns with growing evidence that regular targeted exercise is possibly the only intervention shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. It helps to sustain improvements in both movement and overall wellbeing4. This makes movement‑based therapy a vital part of modern Parkinson’s care.
Programs like the one Rhonda attends reflect integratedliving’s commitment to helping people stay active, socially connected and confident in their abilities.
The power of a multi-disciplinary team in managing Parkinson's
Parkinson’s Australia advises a multi-disciplinary care team may include2:
- General Practitioner
- Neurologist
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Exercise physiologist
- Dietitian
- Social worker
- Support worker
- Care partner (formerly called Case manager)
At integratedliving, these health professionals and allied health services can work together to support people in practical, meaningful ways. This includes helping clients:
- stay independent at home
- maintain mobility and strength
- manage daily tasks with confidence
- support their carers and families
- stay socially connected
- continue doing the things they love
This team‑based approach ensures that support evolves as symptoms change, giving people the confidence to live well at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey.
Supporting people living with Parkinson’s
Henry, Casey and Rhonda's experiences show that with the right support, people living with Parkinson’s can remain active, connected and confident in their daily lives. At integratedliving, we’re proud to provide team-based care, home support and allied health services that make this possible.
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1 Incidence & prevalence - Parkinson’s Australia [Internet]. Parkinson’s Australia. Parkinson’s Australia Limited; 2024 [cited 2026 Apr 1]. Available from: https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/incidence-prevalence/
2 Assembling a care team [Internet]. Parkinson’s Australia. Parkinson’s Australia Limited; 2024 [cited 2026 Apr 1]. Available from: https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/assembling-a-care-team/
3 What is respite care? [Internet]. Parkinson’s Australia. Parkinson’s Australia Limited; 2025 [cited 2026 Apr 1]. Available from: https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/friends-family-carers/what-is-respite-care/
4 Types of exercise recommended for Parkinson’s - Parkinson’s Australia [Internet]. Parkinson’s Australia. Parkinson’s Australia Limited; 2024 [cited 2026 Apr 1]. Available from: https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/exercise/types/