Older residents who are home-bound and in need of day-to-day assistance, including home delivered meals, should contact Albany County- NY Connects at (518) 447-7177

Deb Riitano, Commissioner 162 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12210 Phone (518) 447-7198 https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/aging

Albany County Department of Social Services 

Address : 162 Washington Avenue City : Albany 

State : NY Zip : 12210 

Website : https://www.albanycounty.com/government/ny-connects-long-term-care-services-support 

Contact Email : Albany_county_NYConnects@albanycountyny.gov Office Phone : 518-447-7177 

Information Phone : 518-447-7177 

Languages : English 

Description : The comprehensive long term care system begins with NY Connects: Choices for Long Term Care (NY Connects), a local program that provides easy access to information and assistance for people who are exploring long term care options or who are already receiving a long term care service but would like more information. NY Connects staff is available to help free of charge. Special Notes : To report adult abuse, call within New York State only 1-844-697-3505. To report adult abuse for residents of Albany County, New York, call 518-447-7177 

Hours : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, EST Monday to Friday.

https://www.albanycounty.com/government/ny-connects-long-term-care-services-support

The mission of Albany Guardian Society is to improve the lives of seniors in the Capital Region, their families and their caregivers, through information, education, research, and collaboration. 

Albany Guardian Society offers 150 classes on age related topics throughout the year. 

Includes directories for: 

Senior Housing Options Directory 

Deciding on one’s next home can be a stressful and complicated experience, especially for seniors. The good news is there are a lot of excellent senior housing options to choose from. 

https://albanyguardiansociety.org/directories/

Senior Transportation Options Directory Transportation is a vital link for seniors to remain active and independent in their community. New in 2021, the “Transportation Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region” directory provides the name, contact information, specific services provided, hours of service, accommodations, and fees for the senior transportation options in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. https://albanyguardiansociety.org/directories/

Maximizing Recovery Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is vital to the care of patients who are recovering from an accident, stroke, or neurological disorder, or who are learning to live with a chronic disease. Our neurologists, neurosurgeons, and physiatrists work together to bring patients back to maximum function through the most advanced technology. Care Throughout the Capital Region This page features information about rehabilitation services at Albany Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with Albany Medical Center, call 518-262-5633. Learn more about rehabilitation services at Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital. Learn more about Albany Med Health System member Visiting Nurses. All locations in the System can be found in the Get Care section of this page. http:// https://www.amc.edu/patient/services/physical_therapy/index.cfm

Shannon Lawler, (518) 867-4999 ext. 306.

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. 

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/

The Brian Grant Foundation provides proven tools to improve the well-being of people with Parkinson’s. BGF was established in 2010, following Brian’s diagnosis in 2008 at the age of 36. Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s, exercise, nutrition and a supportive community can help manage symptoms, maintain overall health and prevent other serious illnesses.

https://briangrant.org

Help for Seniors If you're in need of emergency assistance, please call us at 518-399-3262. Our senior support programs are listed below. Care Links Trained Care Links volunteers provide supportive services to persons 60+ in the towns of Ballston (including Burnt Hills), Charlton, Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Malta, the Village of Ballston Spa, and the city of Mechanicville. We help people live independently in their homes as long as possible, offering: friendly visiting, transportation, respite assistance, shopping and errands, light housekeeping and chores, support groups, telephone reassurance, information and referral, and more. Click here for more information about Care Links, call 518-399-3262 or click here to contact us online.

https://captaincares.org/get-help/seniors.html

Catholic Charities, recognizing human need at all stages of life, responds to all persons regardless of race, creed, or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable. Catholic Charities serves and empowers persons in need, advocates for a just society, calls forth and collaborates with women and men of good will in fulfillment of its mission. https://www.ccrcda.org/get-help/albany-county/

Search for actively recruiting studies that you may be able to participate in or learn about new interventions/treatments that are being considered.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a Web-based resource that provides patients, their family members, health care professionals, researchers, and the public with easy access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies on a wide range of diseases and conditions. The Web site is maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://clinicaltrials.gov/

If you are living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), medication isn’t your only option. Learn about treatment options— like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and find support and care partner resources.

https://www.dbsandme.com/en.html

WE HELP PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S LIVE WELL TODAY. Since 2004, the Davis Phinney Foundation has brought to life some of the most important programs, research, content, and events for those affected by Parkinson’s. Our community includes people living with Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s care partners, families and friends of those living with Parkinson’s, physicians, and Parkinson’s allied health professionals.

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/

Parkinson’s is a complex neurological disorder that can affect almost every part of the body, ranging from how you move to how you feel to how you think and process. Since Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, the specific ways you choose to live well will be unique and change over time. However, a positive attitude, staying engaged in your own health, consistently exercising, and making a commitment to act are steps everyone living with Parkinson’s can take to live well right now.

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/parkinsons-101/

Driving When You Have Parkinson’s Disease https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/10900f-drivewell-handout-parkinsons.pdf Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers/driving-safely-while-aging-gracefully Refreshing your driving skills https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/

Drugs.com is the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date source of drug information online. Providing free, peer-reviewed, accurate and independent data on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines & natural products.

Ending Parkinson’s Disease proposes a bold PACT to Prevent the disease, Advocate for protective policies, Care for patients, and Treat the condition with innovative therapies. The authors gather the expertise of clinicians, patients, and cutting-edge researchers to tell the full story of Parkinson’s and what we can do to end it. As we confront this coming wave of disease, this book is an indispensable guide for patients, families, clinicians, scientists, politicians, and activists. https://endingpd.org/

First published in 2010, the Every Victory Counts® manual broke new ground as the only resource of its kind, devoted solely to the principle of proactive self-care and a holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s. In subsequent editions, it has gained international recognition as a superb and comprehensive resource for changing the way people live with Parkinson’s. Now in its sixth edition, the manual is the cornerstone of our new Every Victory Counts suite of resources, a robust collection of printed and digital manuals (including a new Every Victory Counts Manual for Care Partners) that embrace the Davis Phinney Foundation’s philosophy of taking action to improve your quality of life with Parkinson’s.

Essential information about Parkinson’s plus dozens of topics that are frequently overlooked but critical to helping you live well Insights from more than 50 Parkinson’s experts, including physicians, therapists, and scientists who share cutting edge research, strategies, and ideas for living well with Parkinson’s Advice and inspiration from dozens of people living well with Parkinson’s today In-depth information about exercise, nutrition, emotional health, medication, therapies, and more https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/every-victory-counts-manual/

Research has found that three out of four people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) do not receive medications on time when staying in the hospital. When this occurs two out of three will experience unnecessary complications. With more frequent hospital visits and a high sensitivity to the timing and dosing of PD medications, people with Parkinson’s face great risks in the hospital. At the Parkinson’s Foundation, it is our mission to help people with Parkinson’s disease live better lives, and that includes staying safe while in the hospital. Understand the risks associated with hospital stays. Have tools to play an active role in their care. Are prepared for a hospital visit, whether planned or unplanned. Have a plan to get the best possible care in the hospital. Three easy ways to get these life-saving resources: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/hospital-safety-kits

How We Help and Who We Help Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York has been continuously providing a continuum of support, services and resources for individuals and families of all ages since 1854. JFS is proud to serve people of all backgrounds, while also having a unique ability and responsibility to meet the particular needs of the Jewish community. Our programs and services range from counseling to guidance for those aging in place to assistance for those facing food or financial insecurity – and so much more. JFS’s expert staff is available virtually, by telephone and in person. See a complete list of our services: JFS At-a-Glance https://jfsneny.org/about-jfs/mission-vision-values

LSVT BIG trains people with Parkinson disease (PD) to use their body more normally.  People living with PD or other neurological conditions often move differently, with gestures and actions that become smaller and slower. They may have trouble with getting around, getting dressed and with other activities of daily living. LSVT BIG effectively trains improved movements for any activity, whether “small motor” tasks like buttoning a shirt or “large motor” tasks like getting up from sofa or chair or maintaining balance while walking.

https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTBIG

Today there are two distinct LSVT therapy programs: LSVT LOUD speech therapy improves communication in daily living; and LSVT BIG physical or occupational therapy improves mobility and movement used in everyday function. These are not general exercise programs. Instead, they are research-based treatment protocols designed specifically to address the motor, sensory and non-motor symptoms that many people with PD face. LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG treatments can only be given by specially trained LSVT Certified Clinicians. With their guidance, people with PD will learn to translate skills built during treatment into better everyday communication, function and movement. 

https://www.lsvtglobal.com/

Parkinson’s Care Partner Resources 4/2024 

Local PD Care Partner Support Groups 

IN PERSON, Mornings, monthly, Clifton Park 

Contact: Nancy Eson (518) 281-6012 

IN PERSON, Evenings, monthly, Colonie 

Contact: Addy Spitzer (320) 249-6862 

ZOOM ONLY: Evenings, monthly, originated from Albany County Contact: Nancy Eson (518) 281-6012 

National PD Organizations - Care Partner Resources 

Davis Phinney Foundation 

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/ 

Parkinson Foundation 

https://www.parkinson.org/ 

Helpline: 1(800) 473-4636 

American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) https://www.apdaparkinson.org/ 

Michael J. Fox Foundation https://www.michaeljfox.org/ Care Partner / Caregiver General Resources 

Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/ 

Helpline: (800) 272-3900 

NYS Respite for the Caregiver Support Initiative - respite scholarships People with PD and care partners can utilize Alzheimer’s Assoc. resources 

Catholic Charities https://www.ccrcda.org 

Caregiver Support Program, 14 counties, 518 372 5667 

County and City Senior Services - contact local senior services offices

Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but medicines can help control the symptoms, often dramatically. In some more advanced cases, surgery may be advised. PD101 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

The Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation purchases equipment and supplies necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment for Parkinson’s patients. The Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation has funded the cost of medications and health care equipment, supplies and services including shower chairs, ramps, electric wheelchairs and scooters, U-Step walkers and canes, computers, lift seats, elevated toilet seats, in-home care, car lifts, tracheotomy kits, speaker phones, tub transfer benches, adult diapers, grab bars for inside the home, and transportation to the doctor’s appointments. These simple provisions can have a profound impact on the day to day lives of people affected by Parkinson’s. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would like to apply for assistance, please download and fill out the application here.. https://www.mwpf.org/

From Mia Boelen PT:

I am a physical therapist who has specialized in treating people with Parkinson's and similar movement disorders for 29 years.

After retiring, I wanted to continue to help these individuals who have inspired me. This led me to organize and produce educational videos for the PD community. My hope is that people will share this information to make life a little better. Many videos are applicable to both the person with PD as well as their care partner.

You can find these videos on my website ( https://www.parkinsonspt.com ) or my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@parkinsonsPT

Areas addressed on this website/YouTube channel:

Walking: different avenues to take bigger steps are reviewed (attention strategies, auditory cues & visual cues). Also included are videos which specifically address freezing, turns and gait festination.

Transfers: each transfer is addressed in a separate video such as how to get up from a chair, the floor, in/out of bed as well as getting in/out of a car.

Caregivers: learn how to use a gait belt, how to safely assist someone with each type of transfer such as bed mobility, chair transfers & floor transfers.

Balance: there is a  video that discusses the top 10 reasons for balance problems, also included are individual videos covering postural instability and orthostatic hypotension.

Walkers: an entire section is devoted to walkers & rollators. Areas covered are: how to set up a 2 wheeled walker, how to use a 2 wheeled walker, how to use a rollator and lastly the pros and cons of various ambulatory devices for making the proper decision on which one to use.

Helpful devices: These items seemed to stand the test of time regarding their practicality with the individuals I have worked with in physical therapy.

Disclosure - I am not associated with any company who sells any products and do not receive any commission.

Role of physical therapy: This video explains the evaluation process and what to expect from physical therapy.

I hope you will find these videos useful for discussions in your support groups.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die. Because PD can cause tremor, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems, it is called a “movement disorder.” But constipation, depression, memory problems and other non-movement symptoms also can be part of Parkinson’s. PD is a lifelong and progressive disease, which means that symptoms slowly worsen over time. The experience of living with Parkinson's over the course of a lifetime is unique to each person. As symptoms and progression vary from person to person, neither you nor your doctor can predict which symptoms you will get, when you will get them or how severe they will be. Even though broad paths of similarity are observed among individuals with PD as the disease progresses, there is no guarantee you will experience what you see in others. Estimates suggest that Parkinson’s affects nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 6 million people worldwide. https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-101

My Degeneration examines the current state of Parkinson’s care, including doctor/patient relations and the repercussions of a disease that, among other things, impairs movement, can rob patients of their ability to speak or write, degrades sufferers’ ability to deal with complexity, and interferes with the sense of balance. Readers learn what it’s like to undergo a dramatic, demanding, and audacious bit of high-tech brain surgery that can mysteriously restore much of a patient’s control over symptoms. But My Degeneration is more than a Parkinson’s memoir. Dunlap-Shohl gives the person newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the information necessary to cope with it on a day-to-day basis. He chronicles the changes that life with the disease can bring to the way one sees the world and the way one is seen by the wider community. Dunlap-Shohl imparts a realistic basis for hope―hope not only to carry on, but to enjoy a decent quality of life. https://www.amazon.com/My-Degeneration-Journey-Parkinsons-Medicine/dp/0271071028

In either case, this podcast episode is for you. In this episode Kelsey Phinney speaks with Dr. Aaron Haug, a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s at Blue Sky Neurology in Colorado about: How to reframe a Parkinson’s diagnoses and take control of your ability to live well with it https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/a-primer-on-parkinsons-for-the-newly-diagnosed/

Address : 2 Empire State Plaza 

City : Albany 

State : NY 

Zip : 12223 

Website : https://aging.ny.gov/ 

Contact Email : NYSOFA@aging.ny.gov 

Office Phone : 844-697-6321

Regional Phone : 800-342-9871 

Hours : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, EST Monday to Friday.

Everyone deserves equitable access to affordable healthcare, regardless of who they are. The PAN Foundation and our Board of Directors recognize the importance of ensuring that health equity is at the forefront of our mission and programs. We acknowledge that systemic inequities have prevented historically marginalized and underserved populations from accessing affordable and quality healthcare. Together, we must enact change. Providing financial assistance to patients who need it the most. https://www.panfoundation.org/disease-funds/parkinsons-disease/

PD SELF is a national program for Parkinson’s patients who have been newly diagnosed within the last 3 years. This program provides patients with the motivation, confidence, skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life by introducing them to ways of better managing their disease as it progresses over time. Care partners are encouraged to participate and will be provided with educational tools to be a more effective care partner. Having a care partner is not a requirement https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/programs/pd-self/

IParkiBot is , an AI created for the Parkinson's Disease community. Ask anything about Parkinson's Disease. Made for patients, caregivers, physicians, and researchers.

Ask a question, and it will provide a well-referenced answer with a decorum suitable for corporate or governmental use.

https://parkibot.com

Using telemedicine, our team can provide care to patients across New York State. As a patient in our Parkinson Disease Care New York Program (PDCNY), you will have access to a Parkinson’s specialist from the University of Rochester Medical Center in the comfort of your own home. All you need is internet access and a device that is capable of accessing the internet, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. https://www.pdcny.org

Staffed by nurses, social workers and health educators, the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline is here to support you in any possible way, including: Current disease information Medical issues including symptoms and treatments Health and social care Emotional support Referrals to health professionals and community resources for local support The Parkinson's Foundation Helpline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. We can assist you in either English or Spanish

https://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/Resources-and-Support/Helpline

Better Lives. Together.

https://www.parkinson.org/

https://youtu.be/qhPChBdvNTk?si=7vjT94ymRpzIg_1Q

The Alinker Walking Bike

https://www.thealinker.com/

Am I covered by SSDI? Not everyone is covered by SSDI. In addition to meeting the SSA’s definition of disability (discussed below), you must have worked in a job that was covered by Social Security and have accrued enough work credits. Click here to visit SSA.gov to read more about SSDI qualification requirements. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/resources-support/living-with-parkinsons-disease/disability/ssdi/

Synapticure offers expert virtual neurology and behavioral health care in all 50 states https://www.synapticure.com/

Parkinsons Disease ACCEPTING WAITLIST PATIENTS TAF is currently accepting requests to join the enrollment waitlist for this program. Waitlists are administered on a calendar-year basis. At the end of each calendar year, waitlist applications expire. Patients still seeking assistance must join waitlists for the subsequent calendar year.

https://youtu.be/ZxazH01t1Tc?si=vK1WaZg5M253GoeU

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

An astonishing new science called "neuroplasticity" is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. In this revolutionary look at the brain, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, M.D., provides an introduction to both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they've transformed. From stroke patients learning to speak again to the remarkable case of a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, The Brain That Changes Itself will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.

Umbrella is a membership organization. For an annual fee, Umbrella members have access to a screened, skilled group of handy persons who provide a variety of services, including home repairs, housekeeping, lawn and gardening and shopping. https://theumbrella.org/

The World Parkinson Congress (WPC) 2023 Master Classes are short talks given by experts on topics they presented at WPC 2023. The classes cover a wide range of important and current topics in Parkinson's

As a leader in digital health publishing for more than 25 years, WebMD strives to maintain the most comprehensive and reliable source of health and medical information on the internet. We recognize the responsibility that comes along with being the most well-known and trusted health information platform,

https://www.webmd.com/

Register for future Expert Briefing Webinars: https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/sit... Helpful resources: - Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) | Helpline@Parkinson.org | https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s... - Resources for those who are new to Parkinson’s disease: www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons - Aware in Care hospital safety kit: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s... - PD Health @ Home programs: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s... - Información en español: https://www.parkinson.org/espanol Find us on social media! @ParkinsonDotOrg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkinsondotorg Facebook en Español: https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonEsp... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkinsondo... Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkinsonDotOrg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/park... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parkinsondotorg What is the Parkinson’s Foundation? The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Learn more on our website: https://www.parkinson.org/

The World Parkinson Coalition®provides the only international forum on Parkinson's disease that invites all stakeholders to learn about the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices, and care initiatives that improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's disease. By bringing the full Parkinson's community together, including people living with Parkinson's, we hope to expedite the discovery of new treatments for this devastating disease until a cure is found.