Parkinson’s Program at The Goodman Center

We’re here to help when things change...

We are proud to announce that Cypress Palms has embarked on a training program with The National Parkinson Foundation and will be awarded Parkinson Proficient Accreditation for Exemplary Service, Programs, and Team Training by the Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland. Our training has begun, and we anticipate being awarded the certification by August, 2007. We will be deemed a “provider of choice” for those individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.

The Parkinson Care Series Proficiencies Include:

• A basic understanding of the special challenges faced by residents with Parkinson’s Disease, and an understanding of the many ways one can help to improve their quality of life
• An understanding of how and when to help a resident seek a diagnosis, and how to help prevent further deterioration in the resident’s speech through therapies
• Learning specific strategies to help the resident achieve and maintain good nutrition
• Learning the effects of Parkinson’s Disease on activities of daily living and specific strategies to help residents with Parkinson’s Disease lead full, active, and dignified lives
• Gaining insight into ways to enhance fall prevention and to see that Cypress Palms is suitable for residents with Parkinson’s Disease, and understand the safest ways to help Parkinsonians transfer and move about their environments
• Designing and implementing an exercise program specifically geared for residents with Parkinson’s diagnosis.
• Gaining a thorough working knowledge of the various medications, surgeries and alternative therapies available to treat Parkinson’s Disease and an understanding of the importance of carefully controlling and maintaining dosages and the difference between generic and branded pharmaceuticals in Parkinson treatment

The Parkinson Proficient Accreditation begins with a multidisciplinary “Parkinson Team” which includes our Executive Director, licensed nurses, certified nurses aides, Resident Services Director, Dining Services Manager, Director of Maintenance, Activity Director, and Marketing Associate. The core members are attending an intensive training course in order to fulfill the accreditation requirements of The National Parkinson Foundation Outreach Center in conjunction with the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida. Ongoing training sessions continue throughout the year.

At Cypress Palms, our Parkinson’s Outreach Program provides twice-weekly group exercise and social programs specific to Parkinsonian’s needs. The focus is on exercise techniques that establish a relationship between thought and muscle activity to help control balance and movement. Speech and language activities are also incorporated in the exercise routine to improve speech and swallowing functions. The social aspects of the program follow each exercise class and offer an opportunity for group members to share experiences and attend small forums and educational lectures. There are also monthly support group meetings at Cypress Palms. Please join our Parkinson Outreach Program so we may help you cope with day-to-day challenges and help provide a sense of achievement and control over your life. For further information, please call Roni Hellwig at 727.437.1637. We’re here to help when things change.