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Parkinson's Disease Aquatic Program Makes a Splash at The Wealshire and The Ponds Life Care Community

Posted on: Monday, 23 April 2007, 09:00 CDT

In honor of Parkinson's Awareness Month (April), The Wealshire and The Ponds Life Care Community are introducing a new series of ongoing therapeutic activities as part of its Parkinson's Disease Care Program, which is tailored to the needs of those afflicted with this condition. The general public, as well as residents of The Wealshire skilled nursing and The Ponds assisted living centers, are invited to attend. The goal of this program is to maximize the independence of people living with Parkinson's disease, under the direction of a highly trained staff and proven rehabilitative modalities.

As many as one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease, a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Approximately 15 percent of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before the age of 50, and incidence increases with age. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are many treatment options and therapeutic approaches to manage the symptoms. As persons living with Parkinson's progresses in this disease state, they are often incapable of initiating and controlling movements in a normal way. According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, they may experience such symptoms as:

tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face

rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk

bradykinesia or slowness of movement

postural instability or impaired balance and coordination

The Wealshire/Ponds Parkinson's Aquatic Program

As the cornerstone of The Parkinson's Disease Care Program is water-based therapy. The Wealshire Pearl Aquatic Center houses an indoor pool right on the premises -- an asset very unique to a skilled nursing and assisted living residence. It provides a quiet, therapeutic atmosphere where safety and hands-on support from experienced professionals offers the opportunity for social engagement and normalization activity. The physical therapy staff assists participants in stretching exercises and a warm-up period to assist with muscle rigidity, followed by water-walking using various patterns to promote increased balance. People living with Parkinson's are buoyed by the force of the water, and are able to engage in the activities at an increased level. Exercises that promote passing the midline with upper or lower extremities are also included.

"Participants in our aquatic program tell us that they've experienced increased energy, better balance and greater independence in the activities of daily living," says Alice Lundquist, Director of The Pearl Aquatic Center, The Wealshire/Ponds.

The program is offered to the general public for a nominal fee. For dates, times and more information, contact: alundquist@wealshireponds.com or call 847/415-9090.

The Wealshire/Ponds Parkinson's Laughter Club

Among the most noticeable characteristics of Parkinson's disease is a "mask-like" facial expression and loss of voice strength. The Wealshire/Ponds Parkinson's Laughter Club uses interactive group exercises as well as one-to-one activities to engage facial exercises and elicit expressions such as shock or joy. These are frequently combined with breathing, tongue and lip exercises and vocal intonation practice, with the support of a qualified music therapist. Telling and sharing jokes is, of course, a mainstay of the club, as is the enjoyment of greater camaraderie.

"People leave the Laughter Club not only feeling good, but having a better outlook on life. Many members have increased their self-esteem and are able to better express themselves," Virginia Garberding, R.N., Director of Restorative Programs, The Wealshire/Ponds, comments.

The concept of laughter clubs originated in India in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a family physician from Mumbai. People would gather in local parks before the start of their work day to share stories and tell jokes. The result was a fresher perspective, a more optimistic outlook and a release of stress and anxiety. Since its humble beginnings, this unique idea has grown into a worldwide movement of currently more than 5,000 laughter clubs in 53 countries.

Participation in the Wealshire/Ponds Parkinson's Laughter Club is free to members of Parkinson's support groups. For dates, times and more information, contact: vgarberding@wealshireponds.com or call 847/883-9000.

For More Information

For more information about the Parkinson's Disease Care Program at The Wealshire/Ponds and/or to arrange a tour, please visit: www.wealshireponds.com or call 847/883-9000 (The Wealshire) or 847/415-9090 (The Ponds).

About The Ponds and The Wealshire

Independently owned and operated, The Wealshire and The Ponds Skilled Care and Assisted Living Communities offer "Simply Great Care. For Life." Both communities, situated on 20 acres in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire, encompass a complete continuum of care from short-term rehabilitation to long-term care in a home-style atmosphere with highly qualified staff. The Ponds serves as the area's premier assisted living residence, while its sister facility -- The Wealshire -- offers rehabilitation and Medicare services, all levels of nursing for Alzheimer's, dementia and non-dementia residents, and special care programs for individuals with Parkinson's. Affordable care through the "Family Comes First" Flexible Financing program is available.

Source: Business Wire

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