At Alliance Homecare, we understand the importance of highly personalized and experienced treatment plans for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Because it is a complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, specialized care is required for the best outcomes and quality of life.
“Our purpose is to honor the lives of those we touch by enriching the care experience, and we enrich that experience by providing world class training,” says Krystal Vias, Director of Learning and Development for Alliance Homecare. “We’re always searching for the best, most innovative ways to care for our clients.”
It is this drive that led us to become the first New York home care agency certified as a community partner in Parkinson’s care by the Parkinson’s Foundation.
At Alliance Homecare, we understand the importance of highly personalized and experienced treatment plans for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Because it is a complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, specialized care is required for the best outcomes and quality of life.
“Our purpose is to honor the lives of those we touch by enriching the care experience, and we enrich that experience by providing world class training,” says Krystal Vias, Director of Learning and Development for Alliance Homecare. “We’re always searching for the best, most innovative ways to care for our clients.”
It is this drive that led us to become the first New York home care agency certified as a community partner in Parkinson’s care by the Parkinson’s Foundation.
What does it mean to be a Parkinson’s Foundation Community Partner?
Health care companies that want to be a Community Partner of the Parkinson’s Foundation must undergo a rigorous process.
- First, companies must apply for partnership and state their intentions in joining the program.
- Once the application is approved, organizations commit to training at least 70 percent of the entire staff on the curriculum.
- Two staff members are selected as staff trainers. These two staff members learn everything they need to know about training during an intensive two-day session.
- These trainers are ready to pass their knowledge onto their peers via hands-on learning methods after they complete all required coursework and pass an exam.
What’s covered in the training program?
The Parkinson’s Foundation Community Partner training program is comprised of two separate modules: one on the disease and one on interventions. Because Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder, caregivers learn how to slow the onset of symptoms and how to tailor a care plan that’s adaptable to changing conditions.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Medication management: When medication is taken, the mode of delivery is almost as important as the medicine itself. Those with Parkinson’s Disease need to take their medicine at the same time every day – within a 15-minute range – to ensure the most effective results. They may also need to take it with food, but because of the chemical makeup, the right food type (for example, carbohydrates instead of protein) must be chosen. Alliance caregivers are prepared to advocate for their clients and ensure medications are provided in a timely manner whether at home or out in the community.
- Exercise and physical therapy: Physical activity is one of the best intervention methods because it can reduce symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and instability. Personalized exercise and physical therapy plans can help maintain their mobility and balance – allowing them to have a better quality of life and the ability to achieve their physical goals for as long as possible. Alliance RN Care Managers ensure clients with Parkinson’s disease have regular exercise in their care plans which caregivers can facilitate at home.
- Speech and swallowing: Many individuals with Parkinson’s develop speech and swallowing difficulties over time. Care plans may include speech therapy to improve communication, swallowing techniques to prevent aspiration, and training to eat with a vibrating spoon so they know how to handle tremors.
- Hospital and experiential kits: Alliance provides clients with a hospital kit that lists all medications, identification, and care plan information so physicians and nurses have everything they need to know before administering treatments and/or medication. Clients also receive an experiential kit that has daily household items that are reconfigured for their needs, like weighted slippers to prevent falling and other helpful resources.
- Emotional support: Having a home care provider who knows how to create a care plan most effectively for an individual with Parkinson’s is one thing, but having a provider who also takes time to educate and emotionally support those individuals and their families is the true difference maker. Our nurse care managers constantly connect with family members individually, and our goal is to soon host support groups for families, caregivers and others affected by Parkinson’s Disease. Being part of the Alliance Homecare family means you’re never alone.
How many Alliance Homecare staff members have completed the required training?
Alliance Homecare is pleased to share that every member of our office – yes, 100 percent – has completed the required training. From caregivers and clinicians to senior leadership and office managers, everyone at Alliance Homecare is knowledgeable about the specific needs and requirements of Parkinson’s Disease. This training is done in addition to our other certifications and training requirements. To maintain our certification, we will continue to exceed the minimum requirement of 70 percent of our staff trained in the curriculum, submit biannual reports, and attend quarterly meetings with the Parkinson’s Foundation.
We feel it’s crucial for everyone who might touch a life affected by Parkinson’s to understand their unique situation. When family members want to learn more about the care program or need an update on their loved one, they can rest assured they’re always speaking to someone who has in-depth knowledge about the particulars of Parkinson’s Disease.
If you’d like to hear how we can put our training to work for you or your loved one, please call 646-989-3936.
Our team of highly skilled and compassionate nurses is committed to providing the best possible care while ensuring that our clients can maintain their independence and dignity. Let Alliance Homecare provide you with unparalleled home care services that are based upon deep standards of excellence: compassion, integrity, professionalism, and education while honoring and advocating for the dignity and well-being of our clients and their loved ones.
