Parkinson's Residence

Presbyterian Home for Central New York was the first nursing facility in the nation to provide a designated residential location specializing in the care of those affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Located within the secure environment of Presbyterian Home, the Parkinson’s Residence uses a holistic approach to address the specific needs of each individual and their unique physical, social and psychological requirements. Patients are assessed in their daily living activities, medical regime and psychological requirements which in turn serve as a way to monitor and adjust their care plans as needed.

Treatment in the Parkinson’s Residence is very personalized and traditional nursing routines are modified in order to provide optimum care. The plan of care takes medication regime, diet and other factors into consideration. These factors are coordinated to minimize tremors and rigidity which help a patient maintain dignity as they retain motor function.

Presbyterian Home recently received Parkinson proficient accreditation and is the only health care provider in New York State to earn the 2006 Parkinson of the Heartland distinguished honor.

Rehabilitation Program Focus

• Balance Training
• Daily Living Activity Maintenance
• Exercise Strengthening
• Gait Training
• Range of Motion (with emphasis on trunk mobility)

Parkinson's Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs are customized for Parkinson's patients to maintain their optimal functional status. Outpatient and inpatient services include a consulting neurologist, along with the following therapies:

• Aquatic
• Occupational
• Physical
• Speech

Education

Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders education is provided on an ongoing basis to residents, families and staff. Training and education enhance the overall care provided and help meet each patient's unique pharmacological, neurological, nutritional and therapy needs to maximize their potential.

Educational Resources at Presbyterian Home

• CNY Parkinson's Support Group
• Consultant Neurologist
• Parkinson's Resource Center
• Seminars

Parkinson's Speech Improvement Group

A speech improvement group led by a speech pathologist is also offered at the Parkinson's Residence. It deals specifically with speech skills that are most often affected by Parkinson's disease and activities include breathing, voice and oral-motor exercises. Practice in sound exaggeration and loudness drills are utilized in the sessions as well. If indicated, speech pacing exercises may also be practiced.

The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment therapy is offered. This well-established and recognized therapy improves both voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease by treating the physical pathology associated with a disordered voice.

The speech improvement group is also available on an outpatient basis.