Parkinson's program

Depending on a person’s individual level of cover, this six-week course can be funded through private health insurance and aims to improve quality of life through symptom management, education, mental health support and providing the tools needed to maintain independence and a positive wellbeing.

6 Jun 2023

Held twice a week, these sessions run for two hours and are administered by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and other educational specialists.

Educational topics covered include:

falls prevention
driving
mental health and mood
feeding equipment and swallowing
nutrition and diet
fatigue.

Our patients have access to a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with expertise in Parkinson’s including:

Physiotherapists
Rehabilitation specialists
Neurologist
Speech pathologists
Occupational therapists
Dietitian
Psychologists
Pastoral care practitioners
Specialised movement disorder nurses
Art and music therapists.

Education is also an important part of the program and family members are encouraged to attend this component of the program so they too can learn how to best support their loved one.

For people without private health insurance, self-funding can be arranged, however all Parkinson’s patients must obtain a GP referral first in order to undergo a comprehensive assessment by St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital. This screening process will enable our Parkinson’s specialists to tailor a program and treatment options that best suit a patient’s individual needs.

On completion of the Parkinson’s program patients can be referred to other specialised services at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital, such as the globally-renown LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® programs which have proven to be very effective at achieving better movement and improved communication for people with Parkinson’s.