Introducing Our New Program for Residents
THRIVE with Parkinson’s
With the right care and support, those with Parkinson’s disease can truly THRIVE.
The Kensington White Plains is proud to present THRIVE with Parkinson’s, a program for new and current residents with movement disorders with their family members.
THRIVE stands for:
- Therapeutic
- Holistic
- Revitalizing
- Inspiring Independence
- Vocally Vibrant
- Empowering
We have partnered with leaders in the field of movement disorders to create a program involving weekly on-site and virtual classes and educational events.
This education focuses on:
- Physical health
- Opportunities for emotional support
- Activities that improve posture, balance, strength, circulation, muscle control, and mobility
- Mindfulness, breathing and relaxation
The Kensington White Plains Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Our team is committed to improving the quality of life of our residents and those who care for them.
We are skilled, prepared, and ready to join our residents in every way on their wellness journey and to lend support to those who love them.
What does ‘THRIVE with Parkinson’s’ include?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement, balance, and coordination.
While medications can help manage the symptoms, exercise and other therapies can help seniors improve strength and balance, reduce tension and anxiety, and support mental health.
Our exclusive movement disorders program for current residents includes:
- Wellness classes at least 5 times per week
- Body movement programs such as Wellness, THRIVE PWR, Tai Chi, THRIVE Music Therapy & Movement, and THRIVE Dance
- Strive to THRIVE Holistic expression using Creative Journal Expressive Arts(™) methods
- Music therapy with a board-certified music therapist (drumming, vocal, and movement exercises)
- Vocally Vibrant Gym for vocal production, strengthening, projection, pronunciation exercises
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Specialized movement and wellness equipment such as Alinker walking bike
- Specially trained team members, including a dedicated medical technician for timely delivery of medications
- Ongoing educational events, guest lectures, and resources for residents and families
Parkinson’s disease also can result in difficulty speaking and chewing.
Through our partnership with Theradynamics Rehabilitation, we are able to offer the following physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs delivered by certified professionals:
- SPEAK OUT!® and LOUD Crowd!®
- APTA Neurologic Certified Specialists (NCS) on-site*
- PWR!® (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery)
- Quantifiable Functions Neuromuscular Assessment Intervention (QFNA) technology for assessment and treatment of balance, coordination, reaction and response timing, cognition, and more
If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of a movement disorder or have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, The Kensington White Plains is here for you.
What are the causes of Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain called neurons. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.
As Parkinson’s progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
While the specific group of symptoms that an individual experiences varies from person to person, primary motor signs of Parkinson’s disease include the following:
- Tremors
- Bradykinesia, or slowness of movement
- Dyskinesia, or uncontrollable, involuntary movement
- Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Impaired balance and coordination
Parkinson’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms will get worse with time.
Signs of advanced Parkinson’s include:
- Difficulty walking
- The person becomes wheelchair- or bed-bound
- Assistance is needed with all daily activities (eating, bathing, dressing, etc.)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dementia and significant memory loss
- Hallucinations or delusions
Eventually, those with advanced Parkinson’s will be unable to live alone without around-the-clock care and assistance.
How exercise helps those with Parkinson’s
The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) recommends exercise for those with Parkinson’s as a way to maximize health and independence.
The Kensington White Plains provides our residents with a variety of exercise and wellness programs through our partnership with Theradynamics Rehabilitation.
Our on-site wellness programs are designed to fit all cognitive and fitness levels of our residents.
Specifically for Parkinson’s residents, we’re looking to assist with the following:
- Increase strength and mobility
- Relieve stiffness
- Increase balance and coordination
Experts believe regular exercise and physical therapy are important for mobility and balance, while occupational therapy can provide strategies for maintaining independence.
Through on-site rehabilitation services provided by Theradynamics, residents with Parkinson’s have access to the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Exercise physiology
- Functional assessments
- Falls and balance assessments
What makes The Kensington White Plains different?
The Kensington White Plains takes senior care to the highest level possible.
Our community is unique in that we’re one of the communities that have an enhanced assisted living license, which allows us to provide a full spectrum of care and support for true “aging in place.” Not all senior living communities are guaranteed to have this distinction, and others that do may not use it to the fullest extent that we at The Kensington do.
We provide a caring and supportive environment that offers residents personalized services tailored to their specific needs and abilities.
Some senior living communities are unable to care for residents with advanced Parkinson’s disease, including residents who have difficulties swallowing or those in the late stages of dementia.
We are equipped to partner in caring for seniors with no care needs to those who have extremely high care needs, including residents who need a pureed diet or feeding tube or those with late-stage dementia.
Our team has a higher caregiver-to-resident ratio and receives specialized training, so we’re able to provide the comprehensive assistance and support our residents with Parkinson’s disease require.
What is caregiver burnout?
If you’re a caregiver for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, it can feel scary or overwhelming to understand the progression of the disease and to wonder how to manage their care at each step.
You are not alone.
Caregiver burnout is a real and common problem among those who are caring for a loved one with a chronic and progressive disorder.
It’s a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can occur in those responsible for the long-term care of another person.
Symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Sleep deprivation
- Irritability
- Getting sick more frequently
Caregivers often neglect their own needs in order to care for their loved ones, or feel guilty when taking time for themselves and their needs. This contributes to the feelings of intense overwhelm and stress.
When to seek additional support
As your loved one’s care needs progress, there may come a time when caregiving becomes too much physically, emotionally, or even financially.
That’s where we come in.
When you decide to seek additional care and support for your loved one, you aren’t “giving up.” You’re doing the most loving act of service you can provide by offering them access to a higher level of care and support.
The Kensington White Plains is a community of caregivers. We understand the challenges family caregivers face, and we believe that you should never have to shoulder the burden alone.
Our team is here for you, and we are dedicated to the long-term care of those with movement disorders including Parkinson’s.
When you move your loved one into our enhanced assisted living community, you are reclaiming your role as a child or spouse and allowing our team to provide the loving, expert care we are equipped to provide.
What resources are available to me?
The Kensington White Plains offers our residents and their families access to numerous resources through our expert partnerships, including:
- Full calendar of educational events, workshops, and caregiver support groups
- Blog with information on our programs, events, and the latest news, treatments, and updates in senior health and wellness
- Text updates and resources via the Kensington Caregiver Club
- Kensington Konnect hub of entertaining, informative, and fun resources for caregivers, seniors, and families to enjoy
Contact us today to learn more about our caregiver resources and events.
Additional resources
We also recommend the following organizations for the latest news, research, training, and educational resources:
- The Parkinson’s Foundation
- Burke Hospital Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation
- NY Presbyterian Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
- Montefiore Einstein Center for the Aging Brain
- The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
- The Mount Sinai Beth Israel Movement Disorders Center
- Northwell Health Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center
- Mayo Clinic Parkinson’s Disease Care
- NYU Langone Health Fresco Institute for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s disease FAQs
What are the five stages of Parkinson’s disease?
The five stages of Parkinson’s disease are used to detail the progression of symptoms.
- Stage One: Initial stage with mild movement symptoms on one side of the body that don’t interfere with daily life
- Stage Two: Symptoms begin to worsen and affect the midline or both sides of the body
- Stage Three: Mid-stage of the disease, loss of balance becomes apparent and falls are more common
- Stage Four: Symptoms become severely disabling and the person may require a cane or walker
- Stage Five: Most advanced stage, the person may be unable to walk due to leg stiffness, and around-the-clock care is required
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The root cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown but is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
However, doctors do know that the symptoms of Parkinson’s are tied to the loss of neurons in the area of the brain known as the substantia nigra.
What are the early symptoms to look out for?
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are 10 early signs of Parkinson’s to watch for in yourself or a loved one:
- Tremor
- Change in handwriting
- Loss of smell
- Sleep troubles
- Stiffness that makes moving or walking difficult
- Constipation
- A low or soft voice
- A serious or mad expression on the face
- Dizziness or fainting
- Stooped or slouched posture
If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor to rule out any other causes.
The Kensington White Plains: Your partner in Parkinson’s care and support
If you or a loved one have just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or suspect you have the symptoms, it’s important to craft a care plan to help loved ones navigate the progression.
Whether you are just beginning the search for Parkinson’s care or are ready for move-in, The Kensington White Plains is here to support you and honor your journey.
We will be with you every step of the way as you navigate all that is to come.
To learn more about how we can help you and support you on this journey, schedule a call today.
Feel free to also check out our suites and floor plans, and read through our testimonials from families just like yours.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our community and share with you Our Promise in action.