Living with Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism presents significant challenges for individuals and their families. Beyond medical treatments, there’s a crucial need for resources and support to navigate daily life and enhance overall well-being. Recognizing this, the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center has launched the Whole Care Program (originally named “Total Care Program for Parkinson’s disease”), an initiative dedicated to providing holistic support for those affected by these conditions.
At the heart of the Whole Care Program is a patient-centered philosophy. We understand that managing Parkinson’s requires more than just medical intervention. Families need access to reliable information, educational resources, and a supportive community to adapt to the evolving demands of the illness and improve their quality of life. This whole care approach ensures that every aspect of the patient’s journey is addressed.
The Whole Care Program at UT Southwestern’s Movement Disorders clinic is designed with a personalized touch. It offers a range of virtual and in-person resources, including educational events, individualized care navigation, and opportunities for community building and peer support. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that excellent clinical care is just one piece of the puzzle. Empowering families with the right tools and support is equally vital in facing the complexities of Parkinson’s disease.
Who Can Benefit from the Whole Care Program?
The Whole Care Program is open to a broad audience within the Parkinson’s community:
- Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism.
- Caregivers, family members, friends, and anyone providing support to those diagnosed.
- Clinical professionals seeking supplementary care options for their Parkinson’s patients.
If you are interested in joining the Whole Care Program community, we encourage you to participate. You can express your interest by filling out this survey. For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us via email.
Access Expert Knowledge Through Our Event Series
A key component of the Whole Care Program is our events series. These events are designed to bring valuable insights and practical knowledge directly to our Parkinson’s patient community through UT Southwestern experts and community partners. Our events feature specialists from various disciplines, including:
- Speech-language pathologists
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Psychologists
- Palliative care physicians
- Movement disorder neurologists
- Nutrition specialists
These experts share the latest information and strategies that program participants can readily apply in their daily lives. Past events have covered essential topics such as dietary recommendations, emotional well-being strategies, techniques for speech and swallowing improvement, and effective exercise routines.
We warmly invite patients, family members, and healthcare professionals to participate in any or all of our virtual and in-person events. You can find more details and registration information on the event series page. Join the Whole Care Program and take an active step towards comprehensive Parkinson’s support.
