Experienced Professional Joins Parkinson's Care Team as Specialized Nurse
Living in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, and nearby areas just got better for those dealing with Parkinson's disease, thanks to the arrival of Jody Lloyd, the new Parkinson's Specialist Nurse. Previously, Rachael Mackinnon, with a decade of experience, served in this role and has now moved to Sydney for a new position as Clinical Lead for Parkinson's NSW.
Jody comes equipped with advanced education and a wealth of experience in Australia and the UK. Her resume spans roles in various fields such as Parkinson's, Aged Care, Cardiology, health education, and evaluating the standards of care.
Leslie Williams, the Member for Port Macquarie, expressed the importance of specialized neurological nurses for those living with Parkinson's and their families. He praised the advantages that the position brings.
The CEO of Parkinson's NSW, Jo-Anne Reeves, highlighted the benefits that the jointly funded, LHD-based Parkinson's Specialist Nurse model has already shown. According to Reeves, this innovative model enables the Specialist Nurses to work across a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, patient homes, and Aged Care facilities.
Additionally, there's evidence that this specialized approach of care combats the feeling of isolation many Parkinson's patients experience, reducing the high incidence of depression and anxiety associated with the disease. It's also worth mentioning that caregivers and family members witness significant improvements in their own well-being with reduced levels of depression.
Various factors, including diet, medications, and constipation, can impact the absorption of Parkinson's drugs in the body. Understanding these aspects will help optimize the effectiveness of medications.
Exciting research is underway, as a new drug molecule shows potential for reactivating housekeeping functions in the brain cells of young Parkinson's patients. This could lead to groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
On average, caregivers for someone with Parkinson's spend more than 30 hours per week providing unpaid care. The continued caregiving leads to a significant strain on the caregiver's well-being.
In essence, having a Parkinson's Specialist Nurse in the community offers numerous benefits for individuals living with Parkinson's and their caregivers. The advantages for people living with Parkinson's include tailored care, improved symptom management, and an overall better quality of life. On the other hand, caregivers benefit from support, guidance, education, and access to additional resources. Furthermore, communities with Parkinson's Specialist Nurses can ensure increased accessibility to care, reduced healthcare burdens, and enhanced awareness about the disease.
- Jody Lloyd's expertise in fields like Parkinson's, Aged Care, and health education will provide a comprehensive approach to care for those battling Parkinson's disease in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, and surrounding areas.
- The arrival of a Parkinson's Specialist Nurse, such as Jody Lloyd, not only enhances care for patients but also addresses the mental health aspects of the disease, potentially reducing depression and anxiety.
- The innovative, jointly funded, LHD-based Parkinson's Specialist Nurse model allows nurses like Jody to deliver care across various settings, fostering health and wellness within the community.
- As research progresses in science, exciting developments like new drug molecules could revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, offering hope for better health and well-being in the future.
