Princeton Care Center Specializes In Parkinsons Disease Rehabilitation
Parkinsons Disease is a chronic degenerative movement disorder that effects approximately one million people. It is the most common movement disorder and second most common neurodegenerative disorder in The United States.
The staff at Princeton Care Center understand that individuals diagnosed with PD have particular needs and do best when programs are in place that can provide the specialized care needed to ease the burden of living with PD and provide the best treatment and rehabilitation available.
The team at Princeton Care Center has gone through specialized training to provide world class care and rehabilitation specific for people with PD in both our Sub Acute Rehabilitation Unit and Long Term Care Facility. Our nurses, certified nursing aids, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapists, and recreation staff have all completed training on how to best help individuals manage their care.
Our Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapist are certified in the LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD modalities for treating patients with PD. Our rehab staff members are part of an elite group of 15,000 therapists in 54 countries specially trained to provide the most beneficial rehabilitation available.
The overall goal is to not only preserve, but improve physical ability so that independence and an active life style can be maintained.
Please contact us to answer any questions and to arrange for a tour.
What Should You Not Do If You Have Parkinsons Disease
Your immune system can be weakened by sugary foods and beverages. Make sure you dont eat too many of these. If you want your Parkinsons symptoms treated, you should eat diet that is naturally sweetened and reduce your sugar intake. You shouldnt eat too much protein. Certain Parkinsons medications could be more effective if you consume a lot of beef, fish, or cheese.
Questions To Ask A Skilled Nursing Living Facility
Refer to the questions on the following pages for guidance. Try to make a second, unannounced visit in the evening or on a weekend. You may learn additional information that adds to your overall opinion of the facility. If you have specific questions about this process, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO .
*Please note that not all content is available in both languages. If you are interested in receiving Spanish communications, we recommend selecting both” to stay best informed on the Foundation’s work and the latest in PD news.
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A Supportive Community Is Vital
At the end of the day, Evans says the assisted living experience should not be seen as a limiting one, but rather as an opportunity for nuanced care combined with an increased quality of life for someone living with Parkinsons.
A great attribute of an assisted living community for someone with Parkinsons is supporta community that is friendly and loving where other people are suffering with the same diagnosis, says Evans. It can be a beautiful experience.
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Selecting Healthcare Professionals For Parkinsons Disease
Because of the complexity of Parkinson’s disease and the wide range of effects that the disease has on a persons physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning, a number of healthcare professionals are usually required to help manage the disease effectively. Healthcare professionals who may be able to help an individual adapt and cope with Parkinson’s disease include:
- Primary care physician or nurse practitioner
- Physical therapist
- Neurologist
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities are another good option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, however, CCRCs may have fairly high monthly costs as well as a steep admission fee so these facilities are usually best suited for individuals who have ample finances.
The significant benefit to CCRCs is that they offer different levels of care in one facility or on one campus. Some CCRCs offer assisted living, skilled nursing facility care, memory care, and nursing home care all in one location. When an individual becomes a resident of a CCRC, they are able to move between different levels of care as their needs change without having to move to a different facility.
This can be very beneficial for all seniors but particularly for people with Parkinson’s disease who often have some cognitive and emotional impairment. In addition, it can be helpful to have staff who get to know the resident well and their specific preferences and needs during the time they live in the CCRC.
Find A Community With Experienced Staff
First and foremost, prospective residents or their caregivers should ask about the staffs experience and training with Parkinsons in particular.
An educated and trained staff is critical for Parkinsons, says Lehr. Loved ones should look for those who know about this disease and its various levels of progression. I would ask very specifically, What are the triggers you look for when you consider someone a viable candidate for this facility versus when you think this person should be in long term care? Thats going to tell you a lot about their depth of knowledge around Parkinsons.
Lehr also says the assisted living community should have a neurologist on staff and rehab specialists on site.
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The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease gradually impairs a persons ability to move, walk, talk and swallow, and it typically develops when patients are in their 50s or 60s . For some people, the condition can be severely debilitating in the long term, while others are able to function relatively well even after 25 years of living with the disorder.
Parkinsons Facilities Offer Multidisciplinary Approach To Care
Assisted living retirement communities dealing with Parkinsons disease care understand that the patients need a different approach to care. A majority feature different interventions to help the aging individuals.
These are put in place to complement medications that the patients are taking, helping them to feel better. Patients usually have access to different medical experts who assist with managing care. Members of the Parkinsons care team can include:
- Nursing staff including aides and licensed nurses
- Pharmacists
- Therapists
- Counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- Caregivers
All the professionals work hand in hand to make the lives of the patients a lot easier. Some even plan ahead to anticipate some of the issues or problems that their patients may experience to ensure that they do not affect the elder in a way that they cannot handle.
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Paying For Parkinsons Disease Care In Assisted Living
While actively searching for a suitable assisted living facility for a patient with Parkinsons disease, it is essential to make sure that you can afford it. It may not come cheap thus, one must have savings or other investments to pay out of pocket for the care without draining themselves financially. Senior citizens with Parkinsons and their families may end up paying about $4,500 or more a month for assisted living, depending on the retirement community.
Older adults who have limited financial resources can benefit from Medicaid to help with expenses for Parkinsons disease care. Even though this option typically does not cover costs in assisted living, many states provide financial aid to patients who cannot afford it. Eligibility, however, varies in different states. Contact the local department of social or human services to find out if you or a loved one qualifies. Keep in mind that some state programs will only cover specific costs and medical illness. Additionally, not all retirement communities accept Medicaid candidates and Medicare is usually not an option, as it does not take care of assisted living costs.
An alternative solution that may work out well for older adults with Parkinsons is to have long-term insurance. Parkinsons patients can use long-term care insurance to cover their senior living expenses in assisted living. Be sure to confirm coverage by carefully going through the contractual information and the fine print.
Do Parkinsons Patients End Up In Nursing Homes
Parkinsons disease sufferers who receive Medicare coverage usually receive their care from Physicians for Medicare. An analysis of Medicare data published in the journal Neurology published in 2015 found that 25 percent of people with PD reside in a long-term care facility , such as a nursing home.
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Options For Parkinsons Disease Care
These burdens can ultimately lead a family caregiver to explore alternatives for Parkinsons disease care. Eventually, many decide to place their loved ones in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living or a nursing home.
Assisted living residents usually receive help with daily tasks, meal preparation, medication management, and escorts to doctors appointments. A nurse is onsite 24/7 and apartments are equipped with emergency call buttons so residents can summon help when necessary.
However, assisted living facilities generally arent equipped to care for people with severe mobility problems or advanced dementia. As a result, your loved one will likely be transferred to a skilled nursing facility once they reach the advanced stages of Parkinsons disease. Unfortunately, the expense of assisted living could quickly deplete their financial resources, limiting your choice of facilities to Medicaid nursing homes.
Nursing homes have their own issues. Even the best facilities tend to be understaffed, and few can provide the level of one-on-one care most people desire for their loved ones. Residents will be competing with each other for staff members limited attention, and those with advanced Parkinsons disease may not be able to communicate in a way that ensures their needs are met. These same issues may also make Parkinsons disease patients more vulnerable to physical or sexual abuse.
Exercise Sessions In Parkinsons Senior Living Facilities
55+ communities and assisted living facilities that look after aged persons with Parkinsons disease are well equipped to make sure that residents participate in fun exercises that are good for their health. The American Parkinson Disease Association recommends that Parkinsons patients exercise because it helps to maximize independence and health. Parkinsons assisted living communities abide by this and make sure exercise routines are part of the residents daily lives.
Many Parkinsons assisted living homes organize walking groups especially for the seniors who are still in the early stages of the disease. Some even have swimming pools where occupants can take part in aquatic exercises as a way of increasing endurance and muscle strength.
Many communities also include low-impact movement classes like seated Tai Chi or dancing. This helps to strengthen weak muscles as well as improve range of motion, balance, and flexibility among Parkinsons patients. Only professionals lead the exercise sessions, ensuring that everyone benefits irrespective of their conditioning and endurance.
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Home Care May Not Be An Option In The Following Circumstances:
- Financial considerations do not permit it . Many people believe that Medicare will pay for in-home care, but there are strict eligibility requirements .
- Family limitations do not permit it
- Caregivers physical and emotional strength is depleted
- Patients condition requires skilled nursing care or round-the-clock attention
- Physical layout of the home is unsuitable
- Individual with PD prefers to live independent of family
Care And Services Provided In Assisted Living Communities
Many Americans may have lingering negative stereotypes when they hear the term assisted living, bringing to mind drab, impersonal nursing homes that serve as a poor substitute for remaining at home. Luckily, this is far from the current reality, and for seniors living with Parkinsons disease, an assisted living community may be an ideal option.
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What Should We Look For In A Nursing Home Facility
The following checklist will help you and your family to evaluate different nursing homes. Review the checklist before your visit to the facility. Be sure to take this checklist with you.
Nursing Home Checklist
FIRST: Ask for a list of references of people who have used their facility and are willing to speak to prospective residents. Your physician may have experience with a particular facility.
Facility
- Does the nursing home provide the level of care needed, such as skilled or intermediate care?
- Does the nursing home meet local and/or state licensing requirements?
- Does the nursing home’s administrator have an up-to-date license?
- Does the nursing home meet state fire regulations ?
- What are the visiting hours?
- What is the policy on insurance and personal property?
- What is the procedure for responding to a medical emergency?
- Does the nursing home have a Medicare license?
Admission
- Is there a waiting period for admission?
- What are the admission requirements?
Fees and financing
- Have fees increased significantly in the past few years?
- Is the fee structure easy to understand?
- What are the billing, payment, and credit policies?
- Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
- Are the billing and accounting procedures understandable?
- Does the nursing home reveal what services are covered in the quoted fee and what services are extra?
- What governmental financing options are accepted ?
- When may a contract be terminated? What is the refund policy?
Staff
How Do We Find The Right Nursing Home Facility
Finding the right nursing home takes time. It is important to begin the search for a suitable nursing home well before you will need to take the step of moving. There are often long waiting periods. Planning ahead can also make the transition of moving into a nursing home much easier.
Family and caregivers should talk about what services will be needed. Take time to consider what services are important to you before calling different nursing homes. Think about what kind of help is needed and how often it’s needed.
Before scheduling a visit to the nursing homes you are interested in, ask about vacancies, admission requirements, level of care provided, and participation in government-funded health insurance options.
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Parkinson’s Disease And Assisted Living
- California Assisted Living Association :“The voice of Assisted Living”Phone: 916.448.1900
- Elder Abuse:Report suspected abuse by calling 800-677-1116
Popular Help Pages:
- Assisted Living Definition & Description
- Discussing Small vs. Large FacilitiesFacility Size
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Summary: A discussion about the relationship between Parkinsons Disease and Assisted Living. Assisted Living can offer an important and viable living and housing alternative for individuals affected by Parkinsons a progressive and debilitating disease. Assisted Living can also provide substantial relief to those who have assumed the role as caregiver. This article is not to be considered as, or used as medical advice.
I receive a fair number of daily emails to our site about all aspects of assisted living. Often times, the emails and messages I receive further clarify to me that assisted living is a confusing subject, and industry and that families faced with the need for long-term care for a loved one may not fully understand what assisted living offers, or can do for them.
Here are a few of the questions we have received from families or individuals asking about assisted living and Parkinsons Disease.
Both my mother and my sister live in NH. My mother has Parkinsons my sister has MS. I was wondering if you accept MedicAid. Nanci
Parkinsons Disease:
Responses to this article:
Personnel In Assisted Living Facilities For Parkinsons Patients
Assisted living facilities that specialize in caring for senior citizens with Parkinsons disease employ staff members who undergo additional training to know how to effectively deal with patients who have the disease. Caregivers here give occupants extra attention than what they offer other inhabitants who do not have Parkinsons. Taking care of such patients also gives the professionals experience to know how to handle members of the older generation regardless of the condition they are in.
Staff is always looking for swallowing difficulties, communication disabilities, and changes in physical form. If they notice anything is wrong, they come to help so that inhabitants can benefit from immediate medical attention to help relieve symptoms. This ensures that seniors suffering from Parkinsons disease are comfortable at all times and no changes go unnoticed. Staff members also make sure that they administer drugs at the right time so that they can work as they should.
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Is A Care Facility Needed
People with advancing Parkinsons require safe and effective care, all the time. The day may come when you are no longer able to provide this type of care for your loved one at home. If this day comes, you should consider a transition to a care facility.
There are certainly benefits to keeping the person with Parkinsons at home. The environment is familiar to your loved one, and you wont have to travel to see him or her. Despite the challenges of caregiving, the relationship between you and the person with Parkinsons often becomes stronger over time. There can also be considerable savings in healthcare costs.
On the other hand, as your loved ones disease progresses and needs become more extreme, keeping the person at home can seem like a battle of your survival versus his or hers.
What To Look For In An Assisted Living Community
Parkinsons is a movement disorder, so first and foremost you want to look at an assisted living facility that is easy to navigate, with wide corridors and a general layout that is easy to move around in, says Lehr. You also want to make sure it has a well-trained staff that has experience caring for people with Parkinsons and understands how to respond to subtle changes in routines, behaviors, and corresponding therapies.
According to Lehr, the biggest benefits of assisted living for someone with Parkinsons come from closely monitored and concentrated care and increased opportunities for movement and socialization.
Parkinsons disease is a very socially isolating and stigmatizing disease. Despite all our efforts, it continues to be so, says Lehr. People can fall into deep depression or withdraw from their social lives altogether. Assisted living can bring them out for activities, social engagement, and opportunities to exercise and move around.
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