EAST WINDSOR (April 18, 2019) – As Fresh River celebrates its First Anniversary of the Parkinson’s Disease Program, the capacity to support both the patient and the caregiver continues to expand. Families, caregivers and residents have provided feedback through the many events and offerings available and the Fresh River team has responded. This has led to a Home Assessment, with a focus on four key elements, and a specialized Respite Program.
As care is provided to those with Parkinson’s Disease, family members must be mindful of the need for self-care. To rest and rejuvenate allows them to return to their care giving responsibilities fully energized and rejuvenated.
Fresh River is now providing a respite program that provides appropriate and needed care for the person with Parkinson’s, and will also provide peace of mind for the caregiver. To know their loved one is being cared for by staff that is highly trained in the disease, both its motor and non-motor symptoms, allows the caregiver to truly rest and focus on themselves for a period of time.
Home Environment
Fresh River Director of Rehabilitation Services, Shaina Toomey, who is certified in Parkinson’s related therapies, will spend time in the home and assess any physical impediments to safety that she sees. As movement and flexibility are impaired with the disease, ease of transitioning from room to room is most important, as is accessibility to and in the bathroom. If there are adjustments needed that require outside services, there are supplemental funds for those in financial need that can be applied for.
Medication Management
Parkinson’s Disease is one in which timing and dosage of medicines is critical. The team will address concerns and make recommendations for discussion with the patient’s primary physician.
Caregiver Support and Programming for Patient
The need and positive effects of exercise in PD are well documented. Fresh River is now offering three BeatPDToday classes weekly, at no charge. Recreation staff is certified by APDA to provide appropriate exercise programming seven days a week.
The therapy department’s certification in the Lee Silverman Voice Training program brings the Big and Loud program to maintain voice and movement capacity to patients in the inpatient and outpatient programs. Other specialty programming for Parkinson’s includes the Synchonry swallow training package, state of the art Neuro Gym equipment, and Dance Craze which provides another opportunity for motion and socialization. A monthly Support Program on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 allows loved ones time to share and to learn.
Transportation
With the variety of programming available, the time during which the patient is enjoying the classes can also be a time for the caregiver to rest. Supplemental funds can be applied for transportation for those in financial need.
All this combines to create a one-of-a-kind specialized Parkinson’s disease treatment program for patients across Connecticut and into western Massachusetts.