Check out the Physiotherapy Association of BC (PABC) video about how physiotherapy can benefit those with Parkinson’s (and other neurological conditions): Physio can help: Neurological Conditions and Parkinson’s
The video highlights one of Neuro-Ability’s own physios: Naomi Casiro.
We run PRW!Moves courses at our clinic and as our space is limited, Naomi is developing her own programs using local gyms. For more information, see: Neuro-Ability Parkinson’s courses.
An interesting article in the New York Times: Exercise as Potent Medicine, by Gretchen Reynolds (Dec 11, 2013). It describes how a large-scale study showed that when exercise is evaluated in the same way as drugs, in many cases it provides a similar level of benefit! One of the study’s authors said: “We are not suggesting that anyone stop taking their medications,” he said. “But maybe people could think long and hard about their lifestyles and talk to their doctors” about whether exercise could and should be incorporated into their care.
The next Neuro-Ability Peer Mentor Program will be run this coming May-June. The goal of the program is to work on clinical reasoning and treatment skills with the goal of maximizing client function. See this blog post that includes an article published in PABC Directions on the Peer Mentor Program.
ONCE YOU RECEIVE A REPLY E-MAIL CONFIRMING YOUR ACCEPTANCE:
More information on the program is available at Neuro-Ability.ca. Also, check out this blog post that includes an article published in PABC Directions on the Peer Mentor Program.
The Vancouver Parks Board runs a wide range of adapted and special-needs recreation programs. Check out their website: Adapted Recreation Programs. Check it out and stay active!
Some of the sports, classes, and events included are:
The Stroke Peer Mentoring Program is run through the Stroke Recovery Association of BC. This free program matches someone living with stroke to a mentor who has had a stroke and who has training to be able to offer support, understanding, and education about issues of stroke and everyday life. Mentors provide this support through telephone conversations, email, and/or 1-to-1 meetings.
A peer mentor does not replace your professional rehab team, but they can be very helpful!
For more information about this free mentoring program, please contact:
Carolyn Carter, Peer Coordinator
604-714-4185
peermentoringprogram@mac.com
Their brochure:
In addition to the GF Strong ABI Program Outreach Team we pointed out earlier, the Vancouver Coastal Health “Vancouver Community Rehabilitation and Resource Team” is another resource for those living here in the Vancouver area. The team provides short, 6 month rehab programs for those living with complex disabilities. They provide assessment and treatment for individuals who want to improve their ability to function and have specific goals they would like to achieve. Rehab sessions may be in your home or in a nearby community location. The teams goals are to increase independence, community participation, and life satisfaction.
To qualify for this rehab program, you must reside in Vancouver, be between 19-64 years old, be eligible for Community Health Services and be living with a complex disability. The program is targeted at those who do not have third party insurance or working with Community Living BC.
If you are interested, please talk with your Case Manager at a Community Health Centre. If you don’t have a Case Manager, please call: 604-263-7377
Their brochure:
The next Neuro-Ability Peer Mentor Program will be run this coming November-December. The goal of the program is to work on clinical reasoning and treatment skills with the goal of maximizing client function. See this blog post that includes an article published in PABC Directions on the Peer Mentor Program.
ONCE YOU RECEIVE A REPLY E-MAIL CONFIRMING YOUR ACCEPTANCE:
More information on the program is available at Neuro-Ability.ca. Also, check out this blog post that includes an article published in PABC Directions on the Peer Mentor Program.
A resource we would like to point out:
The GF Strong ABI Program Outreach Team works with clients, families and caregivers to assist people with an acquired brain injury to improve their quality of life. They assist in identifying and accessing the best available resources to support clients in their home community. They provide many resources including assessments, recommendations, advocacy, and consultation with other professionals in the community and in care facilities. Note: although they are based in Vancouver, adults with an acquired brain injury can be referred from any location in British Columbia.
We have included their brochure below, but if you wish to contact them:
Outpatient Admissions Coordinator, G.F. Strong Rehab Centre
604-737-6272
http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=12710
outpatientadmissions@vch.ca
Two Peer Mentor Programs will be run this fall. Each will have a different focus and format (see outlines below), although they share the goal of working on clinical reasoning and treatment skills with the goal of maximizing client function. See this blog post that includes an article published in PABC Directions on the Peer Mentor Program.
and, for Program B only:
ONCE YOU RECEIVE A REPLY E-MAIL CONFIRMING YOUR ACCEPTANCE:
More information on the program is available at Neuro-Ability.ca. Also, check out this blog post that includes an article published in PABC Directions on the Peer Mentor Program.
Sometimes it is worth saving your energy for when you get to the destination – rather than using it all up getting there. There are a lot of different types of electric scooters out there and I’m sure you’ve seen people using them.
Although we don’t recommend it or endorse it over any other companies models, one of our Neuro-Ability patients uses the somewhat amusingly named ‘GoPet’ electric scooter. (http://mygopet.com). It looks like a nice little unit that is available here in the Vancouver area (e-scooter@live.com). It would obviously be worth looking into the other models available.
Perhaps you have your favourite? Have you used the GoPet? Have you used models from other companies? We’d love to have you share your opinions with other people who are perhaps in similar situations. Feel free to comment below or contact us to make a guest post here on our blog!
