Providing Parkinson’s support in Murray Bridge
Resthaven helps ‘keep you moving’
‘Resthaven helps keep people with Parkinson’s moving!’ So says Caroline Tenny, Occupational Therapist with Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services, and facilitator of the local Parkinson’s Support Groups.
‘Resthaven runs a range of Parkinson’s support and self-management groups and programs at wellness centres across metropolitan Adelaide and in regional areas. The aim is to support people to do as much as they can to stay on their feet, and remain living independently at home,’ says Caroline.
‘In Murray Bridge, we run a support group on the second Monday of each month, which is open to people with Parkinson’s or similar conditions, and their carers.’
‘Members enjoy social time together, and a guest speaker every month, dictated by the need that the group identifies.’
‘In May, two podiatrists visited us to speak about the impact of Parkinson’s on our feet and gait, and how to maintain foot health.’
‘Having healthy feet reduces the risk of falls, which means people can stay at home, and maintain their independence, for longer.’
‘In July, we will enjoy a visit from Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Consultant, Sue Sharrad.’
‘We work in partnership with Parkinson’s SA, which we encourage all attendees to join; as well as being able to link people with amazing resources. They have an amazing support line with trained staff.’
Find out more about Resthaven Community Services at Murray Bridge
‘The Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Consultants are very knowledgeable.’
‘Resthaven’s group programs also offer a chance for people to catch up socially – we enjoyed a barbeque together in April, and, in July, the Murray Bridge cinema is opening up just for us to enjoy a screening of “Rocket Man”!’
‘We also run a Parkinson’s exercise class on the first and third Monday on the month from 9.30-10.30am at the Resthaven Murray Bridge wellness centre at 37 Swanport Road, Murray Bridge.’
‘It is facilitated by a qualified exercise instructor, who takes the group through a range of low impact, chair-based exercises.’
‘She tailors the classes to people’s needs – no one ever leaves saying “I can’t do that,” they all have success within their individual goals – it keeps everyone in a positive mindset. That’s really important.’
‘People understand that they have Parkinson’s, but they want to do as much as they can to try and manage it – and Resthaven wants to support that any way we can.’
Resthaven offers the full range of aged care services, from a little support at home, level 1 – 4 home care packages, respite for family carers and residential aged care at twelve locations.
Established in 1935, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church.
Resthaven community services support older people to live independently in their own homes throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the hills, Murraylands, Limestone Coast, Barossa, and Limestone Coast. To contact the closest Resthaven Community Services office call 1300 13 66 33.
High quality residential aged care homes are located at Aberfoyle Park, Bellevue Heights, Craigmore, Leabrook, Malvern, Marion, Mitcham, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Paradise, Port Elliot, and Westbourne Park. To enquire about residential aged care or respite, phone 8373 9113.