December 11, 2024
Almost one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The Foundation says that men are 1.5 times more likely than women to get PD, and about 90,000 more people are diagnosed with PD each year.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PD, which is a neurological disorder that affects people’s motor and cognitive skills, and which worsens over time. However, with physical therapy, medications, and technology, people living with Parkinson’s can continue living fulfilling lives.
At Wellspring Personal Care, we care for men and women of varying ages who are living with Parkinson’s disease. Wellspring’s skilled nursing team includes registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs). The patient’s Personal Care Team receives ongoing support from our medical director, a licensed physician, and Wellspring’s founder, a licensed clinical social worker.
Our care team works with the client and any family caregivers to create a care plan. Our care and expertise include:
Physical and mental health
- Encouraging exercise, which helps not only with strength, balance, and overall well-being, but memory as well.
- Ensuring the patient maintains contact and engagement with other people to help them feel connected to their support system as their disease progresses.
- Monitoring changes in symptoms, such as fatigue and challenges with balance, coordination, speech, and walking. Also, monitoring potential side effects from medications (which are common).
- Monitoring mental health. A large percentage of people with Parkinson’s develop depression, so we look for those symptoms and connect the client with mental health providers. Untreated depression can worsen other symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Assistive devices and technology
- Obtaining assistive devices (e.g., walkers or wheelchairs) when the client needs them. We also coordinate home modifications/construction to help the client live as independently as possible.
- Connecting clients with assistive technology to help with communication. Parkinson’s can affect people’s ability to speak loudly and clearly.
Home Care MetricsSM
Home Care MetricsSM is Wellspring’s web-based healthcare data tracking and sharing system that was developed by Steven Fox, D.O., Wellspring Personal Care’s medical director. Home Care Metrics gives caregivers the tools to track and report on highly customizable chronic condition indicators. It also monitors the effectiveness of treatment interventions, including medication changes.
At Wellspring Personal Care, we are committed to ensuring patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions can continue living as full a life as possible. Please contact us to learn how we can help.