Parkinson’s Disease Training Course

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and many aspects of daily life. Supporting someone living with Parkinson’s requires knowledge, understanding, and a compassionate, person-centred approach.

This free Parkinson’s Disease Online Course provides care staff, health professionals, and support workers with the knowledge and confidence to recognise symptoms, understand treatments, and deliver effective support.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Parkinson’s affects around 153,000 people in the UK, and every person’s experience is unique. This course helps you understand how Parkinson’s develops, its physical and emotional effects, and how to adapt care to support independence and dignity.

You’ll learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Parkinson’s, explore communication and cognitive challenges, and discover practical care techniques that make a real difference.

This training will help you:

• Recognise the symptoms and stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Understand treatment options, including medication and therapy.
• Apply person-centred care to meet changing needs.
• Communicate effectively and reduce distress or frustration.
• Support carers and families through practical and emotional understanding.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Define Parkinson’s Disease and describe how it differs from Parkinsonism.
• Explain the causes, risk factors, and progression of the condition.
• Identify both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, depression, and cognitive changes.
• Describe how Parkinson’s affects daily life and the emotional wellbeing of individuals and their carers.
• Outline the diagnostic process and key clinical tests.
• Understand the role of medication, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and surgical options.
• Apply best practice in care, including promoting independence and effective communication.
• Recognise the importance of recording, reporting, and monitoring changes in a person’s condition.
• Access further resources from organisations such as Parkinson’s UK and NHS England.
• Reflect on your practice to ensure care remains individualised and person-centred.

Parkinson’s Disease Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Learners will gain a clear understanding of what Parkinson’s Disease is, including its neurological basis, causes, and key characteristics. The module explains the difference between Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism, outlines the stages of progression, and explores the role of brain cells, Lewy bodies, and genetic factors. Learners will develop a foundational understanding of how the condition affects the nervous system and daily functioning.

Module 2: Recognising Signs and Symptoms
This module explores both the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Learners will understand the common features such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as cognitive and emotional changes like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The module also addresses challenges such as freezing episodes, hallucinations, and impulse control disorders, emphasising the impact of symptoms on daily living and independence.

Module 3: Diagnosis and Causes
Learners will study how Parkinson’s Disease is diagnosed through clinical assessment and diagnostic tests. The module covers the typical process for confirming the condition, explains common risk factors such as age, genetics, and environmental triggers, and highlights the importance of early diagnosis in improving quality of life and care outcomes.

Module 4: Impact on Individuals and Caregivers
This module examines the wide-ranging effects of Parkinson’s on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Learners will explore how symptoms affect mobility, communication, and independence, and how caregivers are impacted both emotionally and physically. Practical strategies for supporting caregivers, including stress management and respite care, are also discussed.

Module 5: Management and Treatment
Learners will explore current approaches to managing Parkinson’s Disease, including medication (such as Levodopa), physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The module introduces surgical options like Deep Brain Stimulation and explains the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Learners will also understand how palliative care supports individuals and families during the advanced stages of the condition.

Module 6: Best Practices in Care
This module focuses on providing high-quality, person-centred care for individuals living with Parkinson’s. Learners will explore how to promote independence, manage changes in mobility and communication, and record and report variations in condition accurately. Effective communication strategies—such as allowing extra time for responses and using clear language—are highlighted as essential components of compassionate care.

Module 7: Professional Development and Resources
Learners will discover opportunities for further learning and professional growth related to Parkinson’s care. The module highlights the importance of continuous training, peer learning, and accessing external resources. It introduces key organisations such as Parkinson’s UK, which offer guidance, support networks, and up-to-date educational materials for professionals and carers.

Module 8: Reflective Practice
The final module encourages learners to reflect on their own experiences and approach to supporting individuals with Parkinson’s. Learners will review how reflection helps improve care delivery, promotes empathy, and ensures person-centred practice. They will also evaluate how effective their care has been and identify areas for future development.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Health and social care workers supporting individuals with long-term conditions
• Support workers and carers in community and residential settings
• Nurses, care coordinators, and allied health professionals
• Students and trainees completing care qualifications or CPD modules

No prior medical training is required — this course is suitable for all staff providing direct or indirect care.

FAQ

Is this course accredited?
It aligns with the Care Certificate and Skills for Care standards, and certificates can be used as part of your CPD record.

How long does the course take?
It typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your learning pace.

Will I get a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a Parkinson’s Disease Training Course certificate on completion.

Do I need any previous knowledge?
No. The course is designed for all care staff, regardless of experience level.

Is this course relevant to UK care practice?
Yes. It’s fully based on UK legislation, NHS guidance, and the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network framework.

People living with Parkinson’s face daily challenges that can affect movement, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. With the right understanding, care staff can make small adjustments that lead to big improvements in quality of life.

By completing this course, you’ll gain the confidence to provide sensitive, effective, and compassionate support that respects dignity and promotes independence.

Enrol on the Parkinson’s Disease Training Course today

Build the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality, person-centred care for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.