Have you ever watched a resident struggle to stand and wished it was easier? Parkinson’s rehabilitation program conversations are worth having. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. It is also the fastest-growing neurologic disorder worldwide. Global prevalence is projected to exceed 12 million by 2040. PD can bring rigidity and tremor. It can also cause bradykinesia, or slow movements. Some residents also experience akinesia, or loss of voluntary movement. Postural instability and gait changes are common too. Even so, there is no cure for PD. So, treatment focuses on symptom management. It also aims to slow progression. We care for the resident through every step.

However, there is some exciting news. A Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences study describes a promising model. Clinicians at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute ran a two-week inpatient program. It was intensive and interdisciplinary. The program improved motor function. It also improved speech function. The participants were people with PD living at home. Because the model is proactive and acute, it can spark planning discussions. It can also help set clearer therapy goals.

The findings are also being discussed by long-term care professionals. An AAPACN community discussion calls the study “first-of-its-kind” in the U.S. Of course, not every resident can access inpatient rehab. Still, it helps to talk with your medical director. Then, ask what pieces could be adapted in-house. Be forward thinking, because small steps can add up. For example, coordinate disciplines more intentionally. Also, build clearer carryover between sessions. So, what do you have to lose by raising it at your next clinical meeting?

Stay well and stay informed!