First of all let’s define what is Parkinson  Disease.  According to the National Institute of Health www.nih.gov/parkinsondisease:

Parkinson Disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. It currently affects about half a million people in the United States, although the numbers may be much higher. Parkinson’s disease is both chronic, meaning it lasts for a long time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. It is not contagious.

Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain that controls movement die or become impaired. Normally, these neurons produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine, but when the neurons die or become impaired, they produce less dopamine. This shortage of dopamine causes the movement problems of people with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson signs and symptoms varies with each person affected by it.  Parkinson’s disease does not affect everyone the same way. Symptoms of the disorder and the rate of progression differ among people with the disease. Sometimes people dismiss early symptoms of Parkinson’s as the effects of normal aging. There are no tests to diagnose the disease, so it can be difficult to diagnose accurately.

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medicines and surgery can often provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. However, there are limits to the effectiveness of these therapies, and scientists are working to find better ways to treat the disease. Research on Parkinson’s disease is very active, and scientists are making great progress in understanding and treating the disease. Recent advances in areas such as genetics, drug therapy, and brain stimulation offer hope that some day it may be possible to cure the disease, delay its onset, or prevent it altogether.

Medications for Parkinson’s fall into three groups. The first group includes drugs that increase the level of dopamine in the brain. The second group affects other neurotransmitters in the body in order to ease some of the symptoms of the disease. The third group includes medications that help control non-motor symptoms (those that do not affect movement) of Parkinson’s.

The main therapy for Parkinson’s is the drug levodopa, also called L-dopa. It is a simple chemical found naturally in plants and animals. Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine to replenish the brain’s dwindling supply. People cannot simply take dopamine pills because dopamine does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a lining of cells inside blood vessels that controls the transport of oxygen, glucose, and other substances into the brain.

Usually, people take levodopa along with another medication called carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the body’s conversion of levodopa into dopamine until the levodopa reaches the brain. This prevents or reduces some of the side effects that often accompany levodopa therapy. Carbidopa also reduces the amount of levodopa needed.

Levodopa successfully reduces the tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson’s during the early stages of the disease. It allows most people with Parkinson’s to extend the period of time in which they can lead relatively normal, productive lives.

However, not all symptoms respond equally to levodopa. It usually helps most with bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and rigidity. Problems with balance and other non-motor symptoms may not be helped at all.

People with Parkinson’s disease often see dramatic improvement in their symptoms after starting levodopa therapy. However, they may need to increase the dose gradually over time to maintain maximum benefit.

Levodopa is often so effective that some people may temporarily forget they have Parkinson’s during the early stages of the disease. But levodopa is not a cure. Although it can reduce the symptoms, it does not replace lost nerve cells or stop the gradual loss of brain cells that causes the disease.

Sarasota, Florida will have its Annual Suncoast Parkinson Disease Symposium on January 22, 2011. The symposium will discuss the Advances in Treatment of Parkinson Disease.  It is a community education event for patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the community, sponsored by Sarasota Memorial and the Neuro Challenge Foundation.

For more information visit www.neurochallenge.org or www.smh.com

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care specializes in Parkinson Care through intensive training and certification of its caregivers. Caring are provided by certified home health aides and nursing assistants who understand the needs and care of Parkinson clients. Services are provided in-home or in- facility setting in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, Nokomis and its neighboring towns.  For a free in-home care assessment, call 941.366.0801.

December 8, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Employees Passed Strict Screening and Joins RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care

The following Certified Nursing Assistants (C N A) and Home Health Aides (HHA) passed Caregiver Quality Assessment (CQA) , were recently hired and completed employee orientation with RIGHT ACCORD as of November 30, 2010:

Jenny Dagno, Claudia Borge, Anna Hallett, Yvonne Keim, Alina Maslo, Zarina Maslo, Maria Moncayo, Darlene Monteiro, Reagan Neal, Kelly Spoonmore, and Sybil D’Souza.

We are also proud to recognize caregivers who went above and beyond their call of duty. The following “Caregivers of the Month”, Ofra Nunez for the month of June, Connie Rhymes for July, Samatha Morrow for August, Kelly Spoonmore for September, Maria Martin for October and Anna Robsel for November.

As a son, daughter, sibling or spouse of someone who has, or will need, home care services, nothing is more important than selecting the right caregiver for your loved one. CQA helps to identify home care companies and companion care companies that go above and beyond the norm when selecting quality caregivers and ensure the best care is provided.

The company’s Caregivers are carefully selected individuals who are thoroughly screened for criminal records, employed, bonded and insured. “Special attention is given to matching Caregivers with clients to achieve the utmost safety and compatibility, “Tamunday said.

For further information contact:

Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, RN, BSN, MHA

Administrator/Owner

(941)366-0801 www.rightaccordhealth.com

For further information contact:

Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, Administrator

(941) 366-0801

Email: rose@rightaccordhealth.com

www.RightAccordHealth.com

November 23, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good Deed to Benefit Local Alzheimer’s Organization

Sarasota, November 23, 2010 RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care

Joined the Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association Annual Memory Walk  held on October 23, 2010. RIGHT ACCORD and its team of walkers donated over $1,000 and the association raised over $148,000 this year.

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research — and it calls on people of all ages to take action in the fight. Year-round, the participants are leaders in the effort to defeat this devastating disease.

Participating in Memory Walk was fun with a group. We asked co-workers, family and friends to walk with us as a team. “I was amazed at how many people wanted to help.” Said Tamunday-Casanova.

Every Memory Walk participant was asked to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association staff was there and ready to support us every step of the way with tips, tools and advice.

“Memory Walk was truly a unique experience. We saw the difference we can make as we walked to change the course of Alzheimer’s together. “said Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova

For more information on Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

The Company can be reached at (941)366-0801.

Getting older does not necessarily mean a person’s driving days are over. But it is important to plan ahead and take steps to ensure the safety of your loved ones on the road. NHTSA offers free materials to help you learn more about how to recognize and discuss changes in your older loved one’s driving.

If you think you need to have a conversation with an older driver about his or her driving abilities, remember that many older drivers look at driving as a form of independence. Bringing up the subject of their driving abilities can make some drivers defensive. So, be prepared with your observations and questions, and – if necessary – provide possible transportation alternatives.

Answering the following questions may help you decide if you need to initiate a conversation with an older driver about driving safely:

- Getting lost on routes that should be familiar?
- Noticing new dents or scratches to the vehicle?
- Receiving a ticket for a driving violation?
- Experiencing a near miss or crash recently?
- Being advised to limit/stop driving due to a health reason?
- Overwhelmed by road signs and markings while driving?
- Taking any medication that might affect driving safely?
- Speeding or driving too slowly for no reason?
- Suffering of any illnesses that may affect driving skills?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might need to talk with an older driver about safe driving.

This article is courtesy of The National Highway and Traffic Administration. For more information visit their website at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov

In Sarasota, there’s a Driver’s Assessment and Re-Education Program given by Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Designed to evaluate and improve driver safety, the Sarasota Memorial Driver’s Assessment and Re-Education program is coordinated by occupational therapists certified in driver evaluation and rehabilitation.

The program includes:
• Assessment of vision, thinking, visual perceptual, physical skills and reaction time
• Behind-the-wheel exercises in a customized driving program car, beginning in a parking lot and then advancing into more complex traffic. Behind-the-wheel assessments are performed in your community where the area is familiar.

Results of your assessment are sent to your referring physician for follow-up and referrals for further services if needed.

Re-Education & Training
The training and re-education program consists of in-vehicle education and practice in challenging situations, correction of unsafe habits and, if necessary, use of adaptive equipment to facilitate safer driving habits.

Referral
A physician referral requesting a driving assessment and listing a medical diagnosis is required for participation.

Information
We are unable to evaluate and treat people who are obtaining their license for the first time or who must drive while seated in a wheelchair. Individuals must be able to get into and out of a vehicle independently to participate in the program. For information, please call (941) 917-2183.

Functional Capacity Evaluations
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) safely and objectively measures:
• Repetitive lifting capacity at various levels
• Repetitive push, pull, and carrying capacities
• Hand grip strength
• Tolerance for elevated work
• Prolonged trunk flexion in sitting and standing
• Prolonged trunk rotation in sitting and standing
• Prolonged crawl, knee and sustained crouch positions
• Repetitive squat
• Tolerance for prolonged sitting and standing
• Maximum walking, stairs and stepladder capacity
• Balance
• Hand coordination

Results and recommendations are discussed with the patient and the referring physician before a program of rehabilitation is designed.

For more information, please call (941) 917-1385 or visit www.smh.com

If you or your loved one is experiencing difficulty with transportation, our caregivers are able to provide companionship, in-home care assistance and incidental transportation services to keep you or your loved ones at home as long as they possibly can. Transportation to doctor’s appointments, errands, social and personal appointments are travel -assisted by our qualified care providers such as certified nursing asssitants, home health aides or companions.

We provide services in Sarasota, Manatee and its’ neighboring towns such as Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key, Nokomis, Venice, and Osprey.

Layout of the home

• How to lock outside doors and windows and where to find the keys to each
• The location of and any special operating instructions for washers and dryers
• Where to find household supplies such as cleaners, detergents, light bulbs, and paper towels
• Where to find cooking implements and any special operating instructions for stoves, dishwashers, or other appliances
• Location of phones and phone lines in the home
• Location of towels, bed linens, and clothing in the case of an accident or change in the weather

Emergency information

• Name and address of primary care physician
• Name and address of preferred hospital
• Location of and how to operate any in-home alarm systems
• Contact information for several family members, friends, and neighbors – including cell phone numbers if available

Personal information about the client

• Food allergies or dietary restrictions
• Likes and dislikes in regards to foods, hobbies, clothing, and activities
• Location of the client’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Any special instructions on mobility issues or equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, and walkers
• Any important medical conditions or history that may cause a problem for the client or require medical attention
• A list of things the client is not allowed to do – such as go outside alone, cook for themselves, or bathe unassisted
• Information about the client’s need for dentures, eyeglasses, or contact lenses and any special instructions for each one
• Whether there are any activities the client should be doing, such as an exercise program or specific daily routine
• What the family anticipates the client needing assistance with and to what degree
• Any additional information that would be helpful to the care provider

Are you in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Longboat Key or surrounding areas and would like some more information?  If so please contact us right away.