CARING FOR THOSE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

are an option to help provide the extra care required when loved ones can no longer live at home safely. Laura Cohen is the executive

Set in large homes and not a facility, each resident has their own private bedroom and private bathroom with caregivers close by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist. Bella Vita provides well-balanced, home-cooked meals, daily activities and exercise, medication management, personal care services, help with activities of daily living (ADL’s), ongoing health monitoring and onsite visits from medical professionals

They focus on caring for all health needs, including limited mobility, memory care and Parkinson’s care and strive to help residents maintain as much independence as possible by providing a safe environment. This helps maintain seniors’ mental and

What classes/programs are currently offered for seniors’ mental, physical or

We have several daily activities for our residents to participate in. Morning exercise and movement sessions, afternoon games, arts & crafts, trivia, movies, gardening and even armchair travel to places around the world.

We recognize the importance of maintaining mental, physical and social health for all our residents regardless of their condition.

What does the CPDC certification through the Parkinson’s Movement Disorder Alliance mean?

Certified Parkinson’s Disease Care (CPDC) facilities demonstrate a commitment to training their staff to create and deliver care plans with specific attention to the symptoms, medications management and therapy considerations typical when caring for a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Bella Vita has earned the CPDC certification through the Parkinson’s Movement Disorder Alliance. We are the only assisted living home in Arizona that has earned this certification. All our staff has a deeper understanding of the needs of our residents with PD and are trained to care for them.

What are the services that you offer people living with PD?

Below is an overview of the services we offer our residents living with PD:

• Staff specially educated and certified in PD management, including medication administration and assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s)

• Expertise in the importance of timely administration of PD medications

• An environment that focuses on our resident’s social, emotional and physical needs

• Emphasis on daily exercise focusing on the management of neurological disorders

• One-on-one personal sessions available with experienced trainers specializing in PD, in a dedicated workout room

• Coordination with physicians with specialized training in PD and movement disorders

• Well-balanced diet

• Regular monitoring of weight, appetite, risk for falls, etc.

• Ongoing communication between management and family

• Onsite visits from physical, occupational and speech therapists with expertise in PD

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

That’s a tough question since I love so many aspects of my job. I enjoy meeting different families, helping them through their journey and educating them about their options for where their loved one should live next. This is a very stressful and emotional time for families. I understand their situation, since I also had to make the same decision to find my mom’s next home several years ago.

It is so rewarding each time I help a family transition their loved one. I have often been told that they can now sleep at night knowing their loved one is well cared for and safe.

And of course, another favorite thing is interacting with all the seniors in our homes.

What do you wish everyone knew about your job?

As the executive director and owner, there are a lot of responsibilities in the day-to-day operations of running the business. My job is multi-faceted and allows me to do many different tasks from marketing to administration, working with staff and making sure the homes are well stocked with food and supplies for our residents. These tasks keep my job interesting and very busy.

But mostly my job is all about people. I get to interact with our caregivers, family members and of course our seniors. I am a people person and this part of my job is the most rewarding.

In what ways do you bring Judaism into your work?

Bella Vita is open to all religious denominations, but I love bringing some Judaism to all our residents. During the more popular Jewish holidays, we always share Jewish culture, decorations and, of course, foods. We have Passover seders and Chanukah latkes. I also love when some of our Jewish residents share with others their Jewish perspectives, which opens discussions among all.