Donation to help mobility of Parkinson’s patients

January 1, 2017

Parkinson’s patients at the Douglas County Health Center will now have increased independence, thanks to a donation from Parkinson’s Nebraska.

The local nonprofit recently donated a U-Step II Walker with Laser Module to the Health Center, 4102 Woolworth Ave. in Omaha.

The device is the only walker of its kind at the health center, according to Douglas County Public Information Officer Leia Baez. It helps Parkinson’s patients who deal with tremors and gait issues to find balance and stability while being safe.

The walker’s features include a U-shaped base that helps decrease fall risk, a metronome that can be played faster or slower to help patients stay in rhythm while taking steps and a laser that shines a line on the ground to improve gait and encourage patients to take larger steps.

“This is an opportunity to give our Parkinson’s patients an improved quality of life,” said Molly Motsinger, therapy program manager at the Douglas County Health Center. “Whether it’s being able to walk to their meal or just walking around instead of being bound to a wheelchair, this walker gives our patients some independence back while being safe.”

Motsinger said she’s grateful for the donation and hopes to continue working with Parkinson’s Nebraska to benefit local patients.

Parkinson’s Nebraska works to raise awareness and research funds for the neurological movement disorder.

http://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/donation-to-help-mobility-of-parkinson-s-patients/article_81bce5f6-ced3-11e6-ab2c-134f1e2f9d54.html