Saint Simeon’s First Community In Oklahoma To Offer Parkinson’s-Specific Care
August 24, 2017
TULSA, OK–Oklahoma has an estimated 15,000 people with Parkinson’s disease, but only one community provides care specifically for those individuals. With endorsements from the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma and the American Parkinson Disease Association – Oklahoma Chapter, Saint Simeon’s Senior Community in Tulsa recently unveiled that it is now offering Parkinson’s care.
Saint Simeon’s nursing staff and therapy team has received Parkinson’s education and training on the disease process, including symptom management and medication regiments, as well as the benefits of therapeutic exercise and its positive effect in potentially slowing down the effects of Parkinson’s. Members of Saint Simeon’s staff have undergone training in PWR! Moves, a Parkinson’s-specific skill training program to maintain or restore skills that may have deteriorated.
Jim Langdon, publisher of Tulsa People magazine and member of Saint Simeon’s Board of Trustees, remembers what it was like when his mother, who had a Parkinson’s-related disease, moved in to Saint Simeon’s.
“I’m so happy that those with a Parkinson’s-related disease now have somewhere to go,” Langdon said.
“Saint Simeon’s is stepping forward with specialized training and therapy equipment.”
Through a generous donation from the Founders of Doctors’ Hospital, Saint Simeon’s has added equipment in their Wellness Center specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s. The equipment includes a WaterFit Trampoline – an underwater trampoline for use in the community’s indoor, warm water therapy pool. Other exercise equipment includes a Glide Track Unweighting System – an unweighting harness that allows for unweighted walking, which enables neurological patients to walk longer and more comfortably. The other new pieces of equipment are a SCIFIT Passive Active Pro2 Unit, similar to a stationary bicycle, and Core Stix, hand-held walking sticks that strengthen core muscles.
Saint Simeon’s is committed to helping caregivers of those with Parkinson’s disease. The community is partnering with the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma to host its annual Caregiver Luncheon on September 15.