APDA Northwest is proud to present a series of free virtual workshops designed to give you practical tools and techniques to help you improve your quality of life with PD.
Next Session
Caregiving Considerations
Positioning and Transfers – a focus on mobility & safety
Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
March 4, 11, 18, 25
*Please note this is a series and is not meant to be a drop-in program as information in each class will build upon the other.
On Zoom
ABOUT:
In this session we will focus on practical tools for the Care Partner. We welcome back Occupational Therapist, Heidi Huynh from Ascend Therapy Services who will share practical skills and tools that will help you safely assist a loved one a loved one in a variety of areas.
It is often something small that can make a big difference, and you will come away from this 4-week series having learned the small things that will help you to feel more confident, safe, and relaxed while caring for your loved one.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Week One: Safely assisting with transfers
- The way someone transfers may change many times throughout the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Learn some basic styles and techniques that help smooth out the process of transfers in a variety of settings and situations.
- Week Two: Bed mobility tips and tricks
- We all need to sleep, but sometimes getting in and out of bed, or repositioning in bed can be the biggest chore of the day. Discover positioning, sequencing, and tools that make this process simpler.
- Week Three: What needs to be known for safe walking
- Do you know how to properly size a walker, or how to determine which mobility device is right for your loved one? Learn these important skills as well as other aspects to look out for to increase safety with walking and mobility.
- Week Four: Our favorite secrets for activities for daily living
- Explore all the tips and tools that will allow you to save time, while increasing efficiency and safety while completing our daily tasks – showering, bathing, dressing, and more!
Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services
May 2025
THURSDAYS, 11:00am – 12:00pm
May 8, 15, 22, 29
*Please note this is a series and is not meant to be a drop-in program as information in each class will build upon the other.
On Zoom
ABOUT
People with Parkinson’s disease may experience cognitive changes. The importance of maintaining brain health and understanding modifiable factors that impact brain function is the key to cognitive fitness. Learning strategies to improve cognitive functioning in everyday life will be the focus of this seminar. This will be an interactive seminar with tasks and activities that will be assigned after each session and discussed the following week.
Learning objectives
- Learn about lifestyle factors that influence brain health and cognition.
- Understand how executive functioning is one of the areas of cognitive functioning that affects individuals with Parkinson’s disease in everyday life.
- Learn about apathy and other mood symptoms that can affect brain function.
- Learn specific cognitive remediation strategies to improve cognitive abilities.
Week 1: Lifestyle Factors that Impact Brain Function
We will discuss how lifestyle factors that include sleep, diet, and exercise are important for good brain health. Learn about specific strategies you can use to monitor and modify one area of your lifestyle that needs improvement.
Week 2: Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is one area of cognitive functioning that affects many individuals with Parkinson’s disease. You will learn how executive function is important for your ability to plan, make decisions, think flexibility, and initiate tasks. Strategies you can use over the next week will be discussed.
Week 3: Mood and Brain Function
Changes in mood are common in Parkinson’s disease. This includes developing depression, apathy, and/or anxiety. Mood symptoms can be problematic when they interfere with a desire to exercise, eat healthy, and sleep. Strategies will be discussed combat mood symptoms over the next week.
Week 4: Cognitive Training By now, you know how important physical and emotional well-being is to keep your brain healthy. The brain also needs regular exercise! You will learn how to choose activities that you can practice in daily life that are new, challenging, and fun!
FACILITATED BY
Karen Torres, Psy.D.
Neuropsychologist
Future 2025 Series Topics include:
- Cognitive Fitness
- Nutritional Strategies
- Protect Your Swallowing
- And MORE!
2024 Series
Recordings can be found on the APDA Northwest YouTube Channel
SERIES #1
4 Weeks to PD-PRO: Optimizing Your Diet with Parkinson’s Disease
Description:
In this four-week course, you will learn about the PD-PRO diet and its connection improved quality of life with Parkinson’s disease, how to manage common Parkinson’s symptoms, transitioning to a plant-based diet, and the role of diet in reducing inflammation and supporting brain health. Acquire the knowledge and tools to integrate brain-protective foods into your daily meals, all while optimizing nutrition and flavor.
Facilitated by Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Seattle Integrative Medicine
Held in Jan-Feb 2024
SERIES #2
Hand On Helpful Caregiving
Description
Throughout these workshops you will learn how to help the one you care for help themselves, using a variety of techniques including adaptive tools, simple modifications to the environment, and adjusting positioning / using proper ergonomics. You will come away with the tools needed to put these techniques into action and the understanding of how big changes can result from even little adjustments. This will allow you and those you care for to work as a team throughout the day.
Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services
Held in March of 2024
SERIES #3
Finessing Fine Motor Skills
Description
We use our hands and our fine motor skills throughout many tasks on a daily basis. During this workshop series you will not only learn about tools and techniques to maximize your fine motor skills at home, but also participate in exercises and activities as a group together. Work alongside each other as we strengthen, stretch, and coordinate these precise muscles to maximize independence and accuracy throughout daily activity.
Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services
Held in May of 2024
SERIES #4
Beat the Freeze
Description
Freezing of gait can cause people with Parkinson’s Disease to feel stuck in their tracks. During this workshop series, we will discuss the complexities of why freezing occurs. You will learn practical tools that physical therapists utilize to help manage freezing episodes.
Facilitated by Dr. Jennie Allex & Dr. Nate Coomer
Physical Therapists
Parkinson’s Fitness Project
Held in August of 2024
SERIES #5
Power Up Your Voice
Description
Take control of your voice and fight back against the changes Parkinson’s can bring. In this 4-week series you’ll learn techniques and tools to keep your voice strong, clear, and confident. With expert guidance and practical exercises, you’ll gain the skills to maintain your vocal strength and communication abilities for the long haul. Don’t wait for changes – be proactive in preserving your voice!
Facilitated by Jessica Aubin, MS CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Aubin Speech & Language Center
Held in November 2024