may be a first step to get their exercise regimen safely underway. In the Wellness Center, the main goal is to find an exercise they enjoy and stick with, whether it is using the recumbent bicycle, NuStep, our Pneumatic strength training equipment or even a fitness or yoga class.” Masonic Village at Sewickley’s Barley Wellness Center works with the physical therapy department on approved exercises for each resident, with oversight from a physician. The Baird Wellness Center at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown offers a “Let’s Move with Parkinson’s” exercise class, and staff are planning to host some virtual speakers this summer to speak on the topic. Lydia Kraft and Brooke Smoker, wellness specialists, do one-on-one personal trainings with clientele.
Your Partner
in Parkinson’s Approximately 1% of individuals age 65 and older, and 3 to 5% over age 85, develop Parkinson’s disease, according to Dr. Thomas Tropea, a neurologist, movement disorder specialist and assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. The neurodegenerative disorder affects dopamine production in the brain and can lead to shaking, stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination.
“Studies show regular exercise can help maintain balance, mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks,” according to Kara LaFreeda, wellness program manager at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill. “This means exercise can help ease Parkinson’s symptoms and may even slow the progression of the disease. The goal is to incorporate aerobic, strengthening, balance and stretching into the routine and adapt as needed based on the person’s abilities.” Masonic Villages has programs in place to help those who have Parkinson’s, their loved ones and those who may develop Parkinson’s. “We always first recommend the resident consults their doctor before starting any exercise program. Parkinson’s disease can affect people differently, so you would need to assess each person,” Kara said. “Physical therapy 6
Spring 2022 Issue
“Boxing, along with other bouts of high intensity exercise, has been shown to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease,” Brooke said. “We offer a range of different programs to help with symptom management.” Masonic Village at Dallas residents have access to CIP Rehabilitation, located in the Irem Clubhouse, which offers customized plans using evidencebased interventions for those with Parkinson’s.
“BIG” AND “LOUD” PROGRAMS People think of Parkinson’s as primarily affecting movement, but their speech and vocal capability are also impacted. According to Lauren Rebuck, a speech and language pathologist with Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, 89% of people with Parkinson’s have some kind of voice disorder. LVST Global, a neurological therapy development organization and training provider, offers “BIG” and “LOUD” programs that use speech, physical and occupational therapy to “recalibrate” movement and speech patterns when affected by Parkinson’s. These programs are perfect fits for Masonic Villages’ inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation teams, a group of clinicians already used to collaborating on patient care. “Many people with Parkinson’s need not just physical therapy but occupational and speech therapy,” Michelle Hinkle, physical therapist in Elizabethtown said. “An interdisciplinary team is very important for treating the whole person. We’re looking at patients’ quality of life and enjoying their time here.” Participants in the “BIG” and “LOUD” programs in Elizabethtown have four one-hour sessions a week, plus homework, for a month.
