Parkinson's Disease Management and Support Services
NSU Health offers supportive services in the management of Parkinson's Disease (PD). The services include those listed below:
Parkinson's Support Group
Living with Parkinson's Disease can take a toll on the mental health and well-being of the people living with PD as well as his or her loved ones and caregivers. The NSU Health Parkinson's Support Group meets weekly and is open to the PD patient and their loved ones and caregivers. Typically, the group members gather at the beginning of each session, and then the patients and the caregivers separate for groups geared toward their needs. On occasion, the Group invites an outside expert speaker.
How to Enroll
There is no formal enrollment. The public is invited to join the group anytime. If you wish, you may contact Dr. Gagnon-Blodgett to obtain more information.
Days/Times: 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Contact Person(s): Ashley Stripling, PhD
Contact Information: (954) 262-5843
Fee: Free, no fee is charged
Parkinson's Disease Exercise Group
Exercise has been found to be important in managing PD. Those who exercise regularly typically have better daily function and also enjoy the mental health benefits exercise brings. The PD Exercise Group is led by a NSU Health Physical Therapist. The Group meets twice a week, and exercisers are encouraged to exercise at home as well. The Group is open to those in all stages of Parkinson's Disease; most exercises, however, have been developed for people who are in the early-to middle-stage of PD. Safety is of utmost importance. Thus, for people in more advanced stages pf PD, the physical therapist can often modify exercises to make it more appropriate.
How to Enroll
All PD Exercise Group members must first be determined to be appropriate and eligible for the Group. First, call the PT/OT Clinic at Ziff Health Care Clinic @ (954) 262-4149 to schedule a one-on-one evaluation. If appropriate, one then must obtain a PT prescription from his/her neurologist or other physician. Once these steps are complete, one is free to join the Group.
Days/Times: Monday and Wednesday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Contact Person(s): Crystal Marriot or Steve Pfister, DPT
Contact Information: (954) 262-4149
Fee: $35.00 a month
PD Speech Therapy / Support Group
Speech and swallowing are functions that can be impacted by Parkinson's Disease. Research has found that speech therapy and related exercises and skills help slow the progression of such symptoms or can even improve one's daily function. The Speech Therapy/Support Group at NSU Health meets most Wednesdays to offer people living with PD strategies, exercises, and skills to help them preserve speaking and swallowing abilities. Thus, these patients can maintain or improve their daily function and quality of life. An added benefit is the ongoing support group members give and receive.
How to Enroll
There is no formal enrollment. One may sign-up on a Wednesday during the group's meeting time or call Jocelyn Slater for more information.
Days/Times: Wednesday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Contact Person(s): Lea Kaploun, M.S.CCC-SLP
Contact Information: (954) 262-7707
Fee: Free, no fee is charged