Patient research documents significant improvement in daily functioningwith innovative LSVT therapies to manage symptoms;Generous donation helps launch program
MorseLife Health System, widely recognized for excellence and innovation in senior living and healthcare,has announced that its pioneering program for people with Parkinson’s Disease is now available in Palm Beach County on an outpatient basis.The expansion of Parkinson’s Therapy at MorseLife, as the program is called, broadens access tothe effective and evidence-based Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) therapy programand offers highlyindividualized Parkinson’s treatment plans led by certified therapists.
Parkinson’s Therapy at MorseLife was initially created to meet the distinctive needs ofMorseLife’s long-term care residents who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease or other movement related disorders. Since its launch in 2020,the program hashada positive impact on the lives of many MorseLife patients.
Research conducted by MorseLife reports that program participants have shown significant improvements in daily functioning.Remarkably, 100% of patients report that their balance function has eitherimproved or maintained, while 92% report improved fine motor skills, 95% report improved muscle strength and 83% report increasedsuccess in completing daily care tasks.
“Parkinson’s Therapy at MorseLife addresses a critical need in our community, considering that Florida has the highest percentage in the nation of people diagnosed with the disease, ” said Keith A. Myers, MorseLife’s President and CEO. “As a leader in senior care, we are pleased to be able to meet this growing need by offeringinnovative and high-quality care to members of the community on an outpatient basis.”
There are 64,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in Florida, according to the Parkinson’s Association.
In 2020, Marlene and Martin Silver made a generous donation to help launch the Parkinson’s program at MorseLife. After Marlene Silver’s brother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it became clear through her extensive research that there were limited resources available in Palm Beach County.
“I wanted to help all Parkinson’s patients associated with MorseLife, and I am happy to see that because of the program’s initialsuccess, MorseLife is expanding it to provide alifeline to those in the community who suffer from Parkinson’s and would benefit from MorseLife’s five-star quality of care,” added Marlene Silver.
Today, MorseLife is setting a new standard for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease in Palm Beach County by extensively evaluating each patient and providing ahighly personalized treatment plan. Parkinson’s Therapy at MorseLife relies on the holistic and innovative program known as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). Each plan incorporatesevidence based LSVT strategies for improved movement, speech and emotional and cognitive changes associated with Parkinson’s and other movement related disorders.
LSVT therapy involves training the brain to modify or adapt through exercises which lead to functional improvements in everyday movement (LSVT BIG) and speech (LSVT LOUD). Patients learn to exaggerate movement patterns leading to smoother, larger, and safer movements and to adjust voice levels while speaking in different settings.The result is comfort, confidence and a better quality of life for patients suffering from Parkinson’s.
All LSVT treatment is administered by certified LSVT therapists. In addition to treatment, MorseLife offers the unique opportunity for family and caregivers to find the support and education they need through group meetings and counseling sessions.
“We are seeing amazing results with our Parkinson’s patients thanks to our individualized treatment protocols and expert knowledge of LSVT therapy,” noted the Chair of Parkinson’s Therapy at MorseLife,Carolyn Carter. “As we move forward with the program’s expansion, we are committed to doubling the number of patients we serve and are working to add new certified therapy staff to our team.”
To learn more about the Parkinson’s Therapy Program at MorseLife visit www.morselife.org or call 561-472-2900.
About MorseLife Health System
MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short term rehabilitation, long term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion. For more information, visit morselife.org.
