Parkinson's & ALS Care
Parkinson’s Care
Achieving a high level of function for everyday life is a goal that our Care Team Partners can come along side to promote. As the demand on the caregiver increases, the need for partnership becomes increasingly vital.
A friend’s journey with Parkinson’s Care
We strongly encourage support services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and palliative care when appropriate. Care coordination with home health and/or palliative care services is essential for promoting an individual’s goals through teamwork.
A wife of an individual living with Parkinson’s said, “He doesn’t have Parkinson’s, WE have Parkinson’s.”
As Parkinson’s has a significant impact on the diagnosed individual, it also has a profound effect on relationships, especially the transitioning role of spouse to caregiver. This is a journey of partnership for care, helping you to recapture your role as a family member. Additionally, consider how we can partner in you or your loved one’s care:
- Nurse Managed Care – assessment every 90 days and during significant change
- Medication reminders – consistent routine, timely according to planned activity
- Personal care – assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, hygiene and eating
- Companionship – encouragement and support, activities, outings as requested (social isolation and depression are common with increasing decline, but companionship is essential for well-being)
- Nutritional assistance with Parkinson’s diet
- Exercise – incorporate home health directives in care plan goals
- Light housekeeping
- Transition care to non-ambulatory or bedbound, repositioning, monitoring of skin integrity, Hoyer lift, transfers
- Blood pressure, weight, intake and output, client mental and emotional well-being, changes or concerns recorded for RN review
- Support family care—educating as needed
- Respite care for family members – hours to days
- Overnight shifts – flexible duration and discounts for on-call service
- Lifeline – Care Management support during client service is provided for Care Partners and families
Each partnership is unique as we consider individuality a priority. We have the ability to tailor you or your loved one’s nurse managed care to foster independence and quality of daily living.
To us, partnership means we Journey Together – whatever that looks like.
Rock Steady Boxing Therapy
Rocky Steady Boxing, Rich Gaudio, Instructor with Parkinson’s Participant; Demo at an Annual Art of Aging Expo
For more information, contact Fusion Therapy directly.
Rocky Steady Boxing group
Parkinson’s Links & Resources
- UCDavis Health System – Documentary – Living with Parkinson’s: https://health.ucdavis.edu/medicalcenter/features/2014-2015/08/20140821_Parkinsons.html
- Free Video of Documentary: https://vids.kvie.org/video/kvie-viewfinder-living-parkinsons/
- A Care Givers Guide to Parkinson’s Disease – Contact us for a complimentary copy.
Teepa Snow – “Parkinson’s Disease – How to Transition from Standing to Sitting” with Teepa Snow
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Care
Achieving desired quality of life is a goal that our partnership embraces. As the demand on the caregiver increases, the need for a Care Team becomes essential.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) brings the progression of decreased mobility, and challenges with completing everyday tasks. Caregiving can become overwhelming and the need for assistance is a necessity. Our Care Team works with support services to ensure proper techniques are utilized for care. Care Partners evaluate how to assist an individual during these ever-changing physical challenges. A lifeline of dedicated care management coordination of the Care Team and support services provides continuity of care. Contributions to quality of life are diet specific nutrition, exercise, quality sleep and medication management. Meal preparation, assistance with exercises, and consistent, timely medication routines play a valuable role in daily life and are incorporated into a comprehensive nurse managed care plan.
We strongly encourage support services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and palliative care when appropriate. Care coordination with home health is essential for promoting an individual’s goals through teamwork.
As ALS has a significant impact on the diagnosed individual it also has a profound effect on relationships, especially the transitioning role of spouse to caregiver. This is a journey of partnership for care helping you to regain your role as a family member. Our flexibility with no minimum service hours and no contract paves the way for caregiver relief that you define according to your needs.
In Loving Memory of Frank Hartman
My life is better because of VHCP, I am so appreciative. I do not know what I would do without caregivers to help us. There are things you cannot do on your own, and it is hard to admit that. Little things like doing the laundry become a challenge because of time. Could not ask for better care and a more enriching experience.
Additionally, consider how we can partner in you or your loved one’s care:
- Nurse Managed Care – assessment every 90 days and during significant change
- Medication reminders – to help with symptom and pain management
- Personal care – assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, hygiene and eating
- Companionship – encouragement and support, activities, outings as requested (social isolation and depression are common with increasing decline, but companionship is essential for well-being)
- Nutritional assistance with ALS diet
- Exercise – incorporate home health directives in care plan goals for assistance
- Light housekeeping
- Transition care to non-ambulatory or bedbound, repositioning, monitoring of skin integrity, Hoyer lift, transfers
- Blood pressure, weight, intake and output, client mental and emotional well-being, changes or concerns recorded for RN review
- Support family care – educating as needed
- Respite care for family members – hours to days
- Overnight shifts – flexible duration and discounts for on-call service
- Lifeline – Care Management support during client service is provided for Care Partners and families
Each partnership is unique as we consider individuality a priority. We have the ability to tailor you or your loved one’s nurse managed care to foster independence and quality of daily living.
To us, partnership means we Journey Together – whatever that looks like.
Thank you for taking care of Dad so faithfully and beautifully for so long. You are more than care givers…we now have new family members as a result of the care you have provided.
For additional help, contact the Fredericksburg Chapter ALS Support Group Meetings and Resources.