Seventy-two parkinsonian patients attending a subregional movement dis
order clinic completed a novel questionnaire designed to examine their
quality of life and care. Significant problems with housing, travel,
holidays and hobbies were identified. Financial difficulties due to pr
emature retirement and the complex benefit system were found, Many car
ers were ill but, even when hospitalised, patients were cared for in t
he community by friends and relatives, Few patients had been referred
for paramedical therapies, in spite of considerable disability in some
cases, Aids and adaptations were commonly in use without advice from
an occupational therapist. The specialised clinic and Parkinson's dise
ase nurse advisor were welcomed by many patients, Most were satisfied
with their hospital care and general practitioner, but follow-up arran
gements with general practitioners were variable, It is suggested that
further research concentrates on the roles of physiotherapy, speech t
herapy, nurse advisors and social workers in the management of Parkins
on's disease, and on the value of increased carer support, including r
espite care.