Nurses attending to Parkinson's patients: A day in the life of Tony and Jenny
Parkinson's specialist nurses, such as Vince Carroll and Amanda Buzio in Coffs Harbour, Australia, play a pivotal role in supporting local residents affected by the condition. These healthcare professionals, who are jointly funded by Parkinson's NSW and local health districts, offer vital assistance to those living with Parkinson's.
One couple, Tony and Jenny Bienefelt, have experienced the significant impact of Parkinson's specialist nurses firsthand. In January 2016, Jenny suspected her husband might have Parkinson's, but instead focused on managing his severe depression. After a visit to a fly-in-fly-out specialist in July 2017, they received a diagnosis, which was a shock to the couple. However, the specialist put them in touch with Vince, the Parkinson's specialist nurse, who has proven invaluable in their journey.
As Tony and Jenny struggled to find suitable treatment, they reached out to Vince for advice. His intervention helped Tony get an appointment with a neurologist and start Levodopa, a therapy that has been instrumental in improving his symptoms. Vince additionally encouraged Tony to engage in exercise, including the Parkinson's Warrior program, boxing classes, and tennis—activities Tony initially believed were too challenging.
Jenny also praised the Young Onset Support Group, highlighting its importance for both her and her husband. She expressed gratitude for Vince's initiative in reaching out to the group leader and welcoming them into the community.
Amanda Buzio, another Parkinson's specialist nurse based in Coffs Harbour, has provided similar invaluable assistance to other patients in the area. When Tony was hospitalized in agony during Easter 2018, Amanda intervened, ensuring he received immediate care.
The local Parkinson's community greatly benefits from the accessibility, specialized holistic care, and integrated service delivery provided by Parkinson's specialist nurses like Vince and Amanda. They bridge communication gaps, advocate for equal standards of care, and provide patient-centered assistance tailored to the needs of those living with Parkinson's in their community.
- Science plays a crucial role in the development of therapies for managing Parkinson's medical-conditions, such as Levodopa, which has significantly improved Tony's health-and-wellness.
- Fitness-and-exercise programs, like the Parkinson's Warrior program, boxing classes, and tennis, have been recommended by Vince, a Parkinson's specialist nurse, to help manage Parkinson's symptoms and improve overall mental-health.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in the holistic care provided by Parkinson's specialist nurses, like Vince and Amanda, as they encourage patients to maintain a balanced diet to manage neurological-disorders, such as Parkinson's, better.
