Barbara Fradkin – Hometown News
Q: I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Who besides my doctor can I talk to about this?
A: I am a co-facilitator of the Parkinson Support Group at One Senior Place.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s. Its development is different in every individual. If you have a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, others in a support group can be a vital part of your care team.
Management of Parkinson’s can be complicated, including challenges in diagnosis, medications, hospitalization, nutrition and exercise. Great information is available at www.Parkinson.org/newlydiagnosed and www.michaeljfox.org. While there is no cure, there is help and hope.
Experts agree that exercise is crucial to maintaining good balance and preventing falls. Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR) is one of the ways you can exercise and maintain your strength. This occupational therapy is available through Aquatic Health and Rehab in Viera. Rock Steady Boxing is another form of exercise that is gaining in popularity among Parkinson’s patients. Fun and challenging, Rock Steady Boxing is offered in four Brevard locations: Unlimited Kickboxing in Merritt Island, Fyzical in Indialantic, Advance Fitness in Melbourne and T’Ville Uppercut in Titusville.
Healthcare providers realize that your needs for care and support go beyond symptom management. Treatment should also address your physical, social and emotional needs. Fortunately, there are now a number of Parkinson’s resource groups in Brevard, coordinating services and information for everyone in our 76-mile long county. There are meetings conducted from The Fountains of Melbourne, One Senior Place in Viera and the Central Brevard Public Library in Cocoa. Some still meet by Zoom, but will resume in-person meetings once the danger from Covid has passed.
Remember: Support comes in different forms, and there are many resources available! Consider joining a support group with others who are on the same journey. You are not alone. For more information about Parkinson’s support, or to attend the October 4th presentation about Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia, call 321-751-6771 or email AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com.
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One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging at OneSeniorPlace.com. Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager and the Director of One Senior Place, Viera.
