What Is the Parkinson’s Disease Coach Approach™?

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The Parkinson’s Disease Coach Approach™ is a specialized care management service designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Our team provides expert guidance, advocacy, and comprehensive support to address the unique motor, non-motor, emotional, and logistical challenges of Parkinson’s—especially during care transitions such as hospitalization, rehab, or home recovery.

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This program emphasizes client-centered care, disease education, family support, and proactive planning to reduce crisis events and improve quality of life at every stage.

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Program Components:

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1. Comprehensive Parkinson’s Assessment

• Evaluation of motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, medication routines, and cognitive status

• Functional assessment (mobility, ADLs, balance, swallowing, speech)

• Review of neurologist recommendations and care goals

• Psychosocial review for caregiver strain and client wellness

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2. Home Safety & Environment Assessment

• Recommendations for fall prevention, mobility aids, and adaptive equipment

• Review of medication management systems (e.g., pill boxes, Hero systems)

• Environmental safety for freezing episodes and nighttime mobility

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3. Hospitalization & Advocacy Support

• Proactive planning for emergency or elective hospitalizations

• Advocacy to ensure medications are administered on schedule (critical for Parkinson’s)

• Communication with hospital teams to avoid contraindicated medications

• Discharge planning and follow-up for smooth return to home or transition to rehab

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4. Behavioral & Mood Support

• Screening for depression, anxiety, impulse control issues, hallucinations

• Collaboration with neurologists and mental health professionals

• Emotional support for care partners coping with personality changes or role shifts

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5. Care Coordination

• Team-based collaboration with neurologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists

• Appointment scheduling, attending, communicating and follow-up reminders

• Assistance with insurance or Medicare benefits (e.g., therapy caps, approvals)

• Referrals to movement disorder specialists or research trials if desired

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6. Family Coaching & Education

• One-on-one coaching calls to discuss changes, goals, and future planning

• Education on disease progression, medication timing, freezing episodes, and care techniques

• Support group referrals and respite care resources

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7. Transition & Placement Planning (If Needed)

• Guidance on timing and selection of assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing

• Help with selecting communities with Parkinson’s-aware staff and fall prevention programs

• Transition coordination and family communication

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Ideal For:

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• Individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

• Clients experiencing care transitions (hospital, rehab, home)

• Care partners overwhelmed by coordination responsibilities

• Advanced Parkinson’s with cognitive or behavioral changes

• Those lacking a local advocate during hospitalization or medical visits

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How We Work

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We partner closely with your neurologist, primary care provider, and therapists to ensure everyone is on the same page. Our care managers understand the urgency of medication timing, the nuanced progression of symptoms, and the need for trusted advocacy—especially when you’re unable to speak for yourself.