April 2021 is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. At CarePlus Home Health, we have a particular focus on the care and wellbeing of people living with Parkinson’s Disease. In honor of the month, and as part of our Better Care – Better Health Series, CarePlus has undertaken some exciting activities to raise awareness and deepen our own understanding of Parkinson’s.
#KnowMorePD
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease that is estimated to affect approximately one million people in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Parkinson’s is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States. The Parkinson’s Foundation theme for 2021 Parkinson’s Awareness Month is #KnowMorePD. “The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, the Parkinson’s Foundation and all of our available resources that help make lives better for people with Parkinson’s.”
A Conversation about Speech and Swallowing
Andrew Ryan, Executive Director of CarePlus, had a conversation with Susan I. Wranik, a board-certified speech language pathologist and LSVT LOUD Certified Clinician, specializing in the treatment of neurogenic speech, language/memory, and swallowing issues in adults with Parkinson’s. Together, they had a wide-ranging discussion that provided some important information, guidance and resources. In particular, they discussed the LSVT LOUD treatment protocol, which was designed to help people with Parkinson’s to speak in a normal tone of voice.
Accessing Local Resources and Education
Another important conversation occurred between Andrew Ryan and Jared D. Cohen, MBA, President & CEO of the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA). Located in Montgomery County, PFNCA is a wonderful resource for people suffering from Parkinson’s as well as their families. They provide many programs, including virtual wellness activities and dozens of local support groups. The PFNCA Medical Advisory Board has organized the 2021 PFNCA Symposium, featuring over 40 sessions by 37 physicians, and some question-and-answer sessions. In their discussion, Andrew and Jared went into detail about the Symposium and the many educational topics being addressed by experts.
CarePlus Provides
Our Parkinson’s team begins with a nurse assessment who helps put together a customized plan based on individual needs. We then step in to provide a range of assistance that can be medically related (doctor’s appointments, medication reminders), activities of daily living, self-care or other support like walking and meal prep. No person is alike, and our care plans are unique and capable of evolving as the needs of the individual change with the onset of the disease.
To get started, call us today at (240) 905-5079 or email us at info@careplusinc.com to discuss your needs.
