Shown are (l-r) Laura Smith, Becky Dunlop, Pete Liberto, Nancy Olson, Arita McCoy, Gwyn Vernon, Karen Coning, Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff, Marge Fleming Smith, Michele Poyton-Marsh and Alice Workman. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County, in collaboration with Beebe Healthcare and Johns Hopkins University, presented an education program Nov. 3 for nursing professionals and physical, speech and occupational therapists.
Speakers included representatives from Beebe Healthcare, Johns Hopkins, University of Delaware and University of Pennsylvania Healthcare Nursing Professionals and Sussex County physical, speech and occupational therapists. They shared expertise from presenting at national conferences, writing for publications, conducting research and providing direct patient care. Session topics included an Introduction to Parkinson's disease, Medication and Hospital Management of Parkinson's, Non-Motor Features, Barriers and Facilitators to Function with Parkinson's, Physical Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Management and Occupational Therapy Strategies.
Panelists from the Parkinson's support groups in Sussex and Kent County discussed the diversity of Parkinson’s presentations and varied courses the disease can take. They shared personal Parkinson's experiences including diagnoses, research participation, focused ultrasound treatments, Lewy body dementia and hospital admissions. They know to bring their medicines and Parkinson’s Awareness Kit and Caregiver Letter to the hospital in emergencies and admissions. They realize their medications but be taken in the hospital at the same exact time that they were taking the medication at home.
They bring their own medicines in case the hospital pharmacy does not stock one of them; there are no substitutions for Parkinson’s medicines. The awareness kit includes the contraindicated medication list. Their caregiver letter lets the hospital staff know when to give medicines, whether there are special dietary needs and patients’ therapy schedules. Caregivers are encouraged to communicate specialists to help ensure patients a shorter hospital stay and recovery.
The Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County is a nonprofit organization chartered to provide education and support to individuals caring for those with Parkinson's disease. The group holds monthly meetings at 1:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach. The next meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5. For more group information, call 302-856-2978.
http://www.capegazette.com/article/parkinson’s-education-program-professionals-success/120028
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