The Carolina’s Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation and Encompass Health of Bluffton are excited to host the Parkinson’s Symposium on September 30!
The Carolina’s Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation and Encompass Health of Bluffton are excited to host the Parkinson’s Symposium on September 30!
As an ambassador for the Parkinson’s Foundation and former Board Member, I was first connected with Encompass Health through other Parkinson’s events I’ve attended and spoken at. The idea for the symposium really came about through another project in which I was recently involved – the Southern Living Adaptive Cottage. I had a vision for a project in my local neighborhood – the Habersham community in Beaufort, South Carolina – to build an adaptive house that bridges the gap between conventional design and a fully ADA-compliant house, with a goal of developing a unique design that makes it possible for a person with physical limitations to live more independently than would otherwise be possible.
Through the collaboration of generous individuals and multiple organizations, the house became a reality, and it has helped increase awareness and funding for Parkinson’s Disease. Through this project, it became evident to me that there was a need for more information about Parkinson’s disease. In particular, I realized the opportunity to provide further education on how Parkinson’s symptoms change over time and adaptive strategies for managing Parkinson’s disease to allow for more independence while aging in place. I approached Wayne and the team at Encompass Health of Bluffton because of the great work they are doing in providing rehabilitation services for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, and the idea for the symposium was created.
It is estimated that 1.2 million people could be impacted by Parkinson’s disease by 2030. There is no cure for Parkinson’s at this time. However, there are medications that can slow the progression and ease the symptoms. Therapy and exercise can also help you manage the disease.
The symptoms for Parkinson’s disease are different for every person, and they may change over time. At Encompass Health of Bluffton, we provide individualized therapy plans for many individuals with Parkinson’s. We know the importance of continuing to help our patients and others with Parkinson’s learn about the disease progression and understand the importance of building a support system for long-term independence. We had this incredible opportunity to partner with the Parkinson’s Foundation to help educate our community, and we were able to secure an all-star team of clinical experts to discuss these important topics at the symposium.
The Parkinson’s Symposium takes place on Saturday, Sept. 30, hosted by Encompass Health and the Carolina Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation at the Creative Church in Hardeeville, from 10a-1:30p. The symposium will focus on practical information and real-world application, including how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing symptoms. Parkinson’s experts will offer adaptive tips and tools for daily activities like dressing, eating, and bathing, and maintaining independence at all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Attendance is free and lunch will be provided.
You can learn more and register on the Parkinson’s Foundation website at Parkinson.org/lowcountry or calling 252-376-1020!