Therapy at WHC can assist Parkinson’s patients

It’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the perfect time to spread the word that three therapists at Western Home Communities have specialized training. They help people living with Parkinson’s disease to maintain and improve movement, increase confidence, and stay safer with better strength and balance. 

A program called LSVT BIG® provides a set of intense protocols for one-on-one therapy sessions four times per week for four weeks. 

“We focus on both gross and fine motor skills, so there’s more opportunity to strengthen and maintain everyday activities,” says physical therapist Olive Frias. “Then people can stay in their homes longer and enjoy day-to-day life. That’s why we like doing this.” 

Olivia Frias

“Parkinson’s disease sends the message that regular movement should be smaller,” explains occupational therapist Abigail Darby. “By doing big reaches and steps in therapy, we retrain what the mind is telling the body.” 

Abigail and WHC resident Dave Johnson working on BIG® movements.

Specialized speech therapy programs help with other symptoms. 

“A classic feature of Parkinson’s is a low volume of voice,” says speech therapist Kate Chilcote. “LSVT LOUD® helps with volume; the program Speak Out! helps produce a stronger, clearer voice. Because some of the same muscles used for speaking are used for swallowing, we may also provide therapy for that.”

Kate Chilcote

Call the WHC therapy department at (319) 859-9343 for information on how to participate in these Parkinson’s programs.