April 11, 2024
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Your Partner in Thriving with Parkinson's Disease
GenCare Lifestyle, your partner in disease specific chronic conditions. We have adopted a holistic approach to living and maintaining wellness with Parkinson’s Disease that will enhance physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life for individuals affected by the condition.
- Holistic approach: We combine physical activity, healthy eating, mental stimulation, social connection, and emotional support to improve overall well-being with our signature Whole Life Living program.
- Expert care: Our specially trained staff provides around-the-clock assistance and access to trusted healthcare partners.
- Personalized plans: We create individualized fitness programs, meal plans, and activities to manage your unique needs.
- Improved quality of life: Experience enhanced mobility, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.
Whole Life Living: A Path to Well-being
GenCare Lifestyle is your partner in managing chronic neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease. Whole Life Living is an orchestrated approach to wellness, encompasses elements like food, exercise, mental sharpness, purpose-driven initiatives, and emotional support and can significantly benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Our Promise, in Action!
EAT Better: Nourishing Your Body
GenCare Lifestyle offers a well-balanced nutrient packed diet which can be tailored to individual needs and help you manage symptoms and support your overall health. Certain foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can potentially reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (an overabundance of free radicals which are harmful to the body), all linked to Parkinson’s progression.
- Decrease processed foods, high fructose corn syrup and other added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
- Increase antioxidant rich offerings such as nuts, berries, whole grains, whole and organic fruits and vegetables, legumes, lean proteins, and fresh local fish.
- Magnesium rich food like Salmon, green leafy vegetables, whole grain brown rice, and dark chocolate reduced muscle cramps and spasms.
- Fiber rich foods like quinoa, broccoli, oats, beans, and brussels sprouts reduced constipation.
Tip: Some Parkinson’s medications are affected by protein and iron rich foods. It is important to time your protein consumption to about 2 hours after taking your medication and choose lean protein options, rich in omega 3 which protect against neuron damage.
MOVE Better: Keep Your Body Strong
Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercises can improve mobility, flexibility, range of motion, and overall physical function. Regular exercise may also help to alleviate some non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and brain fog and has been linked to improving executive function, a common type of thinking affected in Parkinson’s. GenCare Lifestyle offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and an on-site certified personal trainer included in your monthly rent. You will receive a personalized fitness assessment upon moving in that focuses on posture, gait, balance, and cardiovascular and strength endurance. With these results, a personalized fitness plan is created and focuses on many Parkinson’s related concerns like fall reduction, limiting episodes of freezing of gate, shuffle, depression, and anxiety.
THINK Better: Sharpening Your Mind
Engaging in activities that challenge cognitive function such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills, can help maintain mental sharpness and potentially slow cognitive decline associated with Parkinson’s disease. GenCare Lifestyle offers engaging activities for creative expression which keep your brain sharp. From various clubs, special interest hobby workshops like learning how to paint or woodwork keep your mind active and offer benefits beyond brain health. Combining your nutritious diet with regular physical activity you promote blood flow and healthy sleep which are two critical components needed when stimulating the thinking skills susceptible to changes seen with Parkinson’s Disease.
LIVE Better: Finding Purpose and Connection
GenCare Lifestyle recognizes that maintaining a sense of purpose is essential to your well-being. Engaging in meaningful activities like volunteering at a local food bank or participating in the resident council promotes social connectedness and fosters a sense of accomplishment. You will find your unique spiritual resilience is developed and celebrated daily at GenCare which can have a profound impact on how you experience and manage pain, cope with stress, and adapt to changing abilities. All of which promote a more positive overall outlook on life. Joining your Parkinson’s journey is a commitment we take seriously, and we are constantly curious about your values, important relationships and how you find meaning in life. Our vitality programs are designed to facilitate joy, hope and your individual strength every step of the way.
THRIVE Better: Emotional Support Throughout Your Journey
Parkinson’s Disease can be emotionally challenging for you and your loved ones. GenCare Lifestyle has formed trusted partnerships across the health care continuum with agencies and organizations that provide emotional support. From early diagnosis to improving coping mechanisms and increasing self-awareness these partners are available to mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness sometimes experienced by those with the disease. GenCare remains by your side as you navigate the variable nature of Parkinson’s Disease, and we understand the unique challenges you will face. Our dedicated specially trained staff are available around the clock to provide you with access to assistance and care whenever it is needed.
Learn more about our Whole Life Living program and how GenCare Lifestyle can help you thrive with Parkinson's Disease.
By Danielle Parker, GenCare Lifestyle COO/RN
