Rice Rehab offers a one-day Parkinson's Assessment Clinic. The individual's day will involve a complete and thorough assessment in several areas and disciplines, such as: occupational, physical and speech therapies; social services; pharmacy; dietary/nutrition; nursing; and massage therapy for relaxation and stress reduction. Family and friends are welcome to attend the clinic with the individual. Morning snack and noon lunch are provided.

Occupational Therapy Assessment:

• Upper extremity range of motion
• Upper extremity strength
• Rigidity
• Sensation
• Coordination
• Tremor
• Reciprocal motion upper extremities
• Hand writing
• Hand prehensions; isolated finger control
• Grip strength
• Activities of daily living tasks
• Adaptive equipment needs
• Bed mobility
• Cognitive skills

Physical Therapy:

• Moving, walking & balance
• Flexibility: neck range of motion, shoulder range of motion; ankle motion
• Rigidity: feeling for resistance with shoulder, hip, and ankle movements
• General mobility: including getting in and out of bed or chair
• Balance: sitting and standing balance activities included in a brief balance assessment called the Tinetti's Balance Test
• Gait: walking assessment
• Posture: standing and sitting

Speech and Language Pathology Services:

• Changes in voice and speech
• Assessing swallowing and any difficulties
• Assessing cognition

Social Services:

• Living environment
• Support groups
• Support systems
• Available community resources
• Financial resources
• Adjustment to illness/diagnosis

Pharmacy:

• Review of medication regimen
• Assessment of compliance
• Discussion of side affects
• Provided written information on medications

Dietary/Nutrition Assessment:

• Calcium intake
• Fluid intake
• Fiber intake
• Weight loss

Nursing Assessment:

• Parkinson's Disease education
• Early signs and symptoms
• Physical changes
• Pain
• Blood Pressure changes
• Sleep pattern changes
• Bowel changes
• Bladder changes
• Sexuality changes
• Cognitive changes
• Mind/Body approaches

A physician's referral is needed for an individual to attend the clinic, and insurance will be billed.

The Parkinson's Assessment Clinic is scheduled for the 1st Wednesday of each month.

For more information on the Parkinson's Assessment Clinic at Rice Rehab:
lsti@rice.willmar.mn.us or (320) 231-4175

For More Information on Parkinson Disease:
visit National Parkinson Foundation's Website.

*There is also a support group that provides education and support for persons with Parkinson's and their families. The Parkinson's Support Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10:00am at the Senior Citizen's Building. Contact Berdelle Ingeman, (320-231-8920) for more information.