Specialized Parkinson's Program

Discover opportunities to continue to learn and grow at Presbyterian Homes & Services.

Telemedicine

For over a decade, we have provided telemedicine neurological consultatons to hundreds of people in our area suffering with Parkinson’s. The “office visits” are conducted by movement disorder specialists from the University of Rochester Neurological Departments, and have proven results when compared to traditional office visits. Our telemedicine program is recognized by the National Movement Disorder Society and International Movement Society for demonstrating improved outcomes and has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR).

The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Therapy (LSVT)

A well-established and recognized therapy, LSVT improves the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson’s disease by treating the physical pathology associated with a disordered voice. Led by a certified LSVT speech pathologist, the program deals specifically with speech skills most affected by Parkinson’s. Activities include breathing, voice and oral-motor exercises, sound exaggeration, loudness drills, and speech-pacing exercises.

Rock Steady Boxing

Open to anyone in the community who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, these classes offer stretching, footwork and punching movements to help individuals combat Parkinson’s symptoms, such as tremors and walking difficulty.

Classes are offered three times a week at the Presbyterian Residential Community by the Wellness Center. A physician’s release is required. Use of the Wellness Center is also available:

• $10.00 per month, classes only
• $20.00 per month, includes use of the Wellness Center

William and Rita Abraham Parkinson Speaker Series

In memory of his wife Rita, William (Bill) Abraham, along with his children, made a donation to create a program that would impact those affected by Parkinson’s and their families. Working with the Presbyterian Homes Foundation, they established the William and Rita Abraham Parkinson Speaker Series – an educational program to help other families access information from the top providers in the country. Every year, the Presbyterian Homes Foundation hosts speakers on a variety of topics, including diet, exercise and the latest trends in Parkinson’s disease.

The Presbyterian Home is the first skilled nursing facility in the nation to provide a designated residential location specializing in the care of those affected by Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders. Located within the secure environment of the Presbyterian Home, a holistic approach addresses the specific needs of each individual and the unique physical, social and psychological requirements to ensure a comprehensive plan of care.

Our personalized approach in the Parkinson's Residence provides optimum care, ensuring critical factors, such as a medication regimen and diet plan are incorporated and coordinated to minimize tremors and rigidity, and retain motor function.

Outpatient and inpatient services include a consulting neurologist and aquatic, occupational, physical and speech therapies. A rehabilitation program focus includes:

• Balance training
• Daily living activity maintenance
• Exercise strengthening
• Gait training
• Range of motion (with emphasis on trunk mobility)

We also provide a variety of educational and support services related to Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders to residents and their families, including:

• CNY Parkinson’s Support Group
• Consultant neurologist
• Parkinson’s Resource Center
• Seminars

The Presbyterian Home received Parkinson Proficient Accreditation and is the only provider in New York State to earn the Parkinson of the Heartland distinguished honor.