THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
One of the primary goals of LBDRC is to supply care partners and patients of LBD with therapeutic and recreational activities, using evidenced-based approaches, through which they can achieve the best quality of life possible.
Therapies will be tailored to individual and group needs focusing on stimulating cognitive, occupational, speech and physical function as well as improvement in psychological well-being for patients. Offerings will constitute proven creative therapies such as dancing, drumming, painting, singing, creating songs, stories and theatre therapies.
Social activities and therapeutic programs and services are essential for those living with LBD and their care partners. LBD is a difficult disease to navigate and diagnose due to fluctuations and unpredictability that often accompanies it. Research dictates that a combination of socialization, exercise and specific therapies tailored to the individual can slow down progression of symptoms and greatly improve confidence, physical strength and quality of life for LBD patients. As cognition declines, hallucinations, Parkinson symptoms and depression increase. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity to keep the patient physically active to maintain balance and flexibility to prevent falls and to maintain independence. Many modalities and activities can help maintain mental activity: speech therapy which helps with conversation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, art, music, drama therapy, as well as reading, drumming, and socialization. Therapies also help to keep the individual’s balance, hand/eye coordination and sharper cognitive functioning. A combination of these activities helps keep the patient connected to what he or she knows and enjoys to validate capabilities as well as motivation. Through a tailored combination of activities and therapies tailored to the individual, both the patient and caregiver can enjoy life much more. Activities and therapies are the life-blood of a person’s well being or “joie de vivre.”
PLEASE SEE ALL OF THE SUB-TOPICS UNDER ACTIVITIES & THERAPEUTICS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE MANY HELPFUL THERAPIES. And be sure to check our listings for PRACTITIONERS who can help. They are listed under Therapeutic & Artistic Practitioners under the NY Resources & Professionals tab on our home page or click right here: https://lewybodyresourcecenter.org/ny-resources-professionals/therapeutic-artistic-practitioners/
