Parkinson’s Mentor Program

Parkinson’s Mentor Program

Newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients and those who’ve been living with the condition can benefit from a better understanding of their disease and talking about their experience with someone knowledgeable about the condition.

To help foster personal relationships between patients and sympathetic professionals, Norton Neuroscience Institute participates as a partner in the  Parkinson’s Mentor Program. Patients are paired with doctoral candidates studying physical therapy at Bellarmine University School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences so both can benefit.

As mentors for one another, patients and students have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships that are mutually educational as well as emotionally and physically beneficial for the patient. Based on clinical research, the program allows students and patients to work together to improve patients’ self-confidence and quality of life, as well as reduce social isolation.

For patients, mentor programs with students can expand their social circle. Students benefit from establishing relationships with Parkinson’s patients and become better acquainted with the realities of living with Parkinson’s disease.

The program runs from September to April, and registration closes in August. If you would like to apply for the program after registration closes, reach out to the contacts below.  Participants meet two to three times per academic semester.

This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Parkinson’s Mentor Program Goals

  • Educate physical therapy students on real-world aspects of living with Parkinson’s disease and quality-of-life issues faced by patients.
  • Introduce students to research and career opportunities in neurology and movement disorders.
  • Provide relationship-building opportunities between students and patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Who Can Participate

Patients

  • Individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at any stage and are interested in and committed to interacting with health profession students
  • Individuals with Parkinson’s who are independently mobile or have a caregiver who can provide assistance

Bellarmine University Students

  • Who are entering their first, second or third year of physical therapy school
  • Are in a health profession track or
  • Have an interest in interacting and learning more about patients with Parkinson’s disease

Activities can include going to the library, playing board games, taking walks, attending a Parkinson’s meeting or program, exercising, sharing a meal, and attending an art showing or music performance.

This is an educational program, and students are not permitted to provide treatment or medical advice.

For More Information

Patients

Andrea Lanham
Program Coordinator, Parkinson’s Support
Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center – Brownsboro
Norton Medical Plaza III – Brownsboro, Suite 400
4915 Norton Healthcare Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40241
andrea.lanham@nortonhealthcare.org
(502) 559-3221

Students

Elizabeth Ulanowski, P.T., DPT, NCS
Associate Professor
Bellarmine University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Nolen C. Allen Hall, Room 368
2120 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
eulanowski@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-8354

Supported by

Parkinson’s Support Center of Kentuckiana, a Part of:

Care That’s Focused on You

It’s part of Norton Neuroscience Institute’s goal to care for the whole person, not just the condition.

  • Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers offer ways to improve your access to care, provide valuable information on managing your disease and address your quality of life issues. The Norton Healthcare Foundation funds this important service, so patients don’t need to pay.
  • Dedicated patient navigators can help schedule follow-up appointments, coordinate prescription assistance, create customized diet plans and provide guidance on disability benefits, housing, financial and employment concerns and more.
  • Patients can access support groups, exercise classes and other educational events to connect with others and learn how to make the most of life while managing a neurological condition. 
  • Access an on-demand video library of educational content across a variety of condition-related topics is available.
  • We want to help prevent illness. Get help quitting smoking and learn the signs of stroke.
  • Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free Norton MyChart account.

A Louisville Leader in Neurological Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek their neurology and neurosurgery care from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized specialists than any other providers in the area.

Your Norton Neuroscience Institute medical provider has the expertise, experience, diagnostic tools and sophisticated treatments to provide care tailored to your needs.

  • More than 75 medical, surgical and research specialists are dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
  • Advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment can speed your recovery and minimize pain.
  • Multidisciplinary clinics provide easy access to care in one convenient appointment for your neurological condition, with specialists in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics and behavioral health.
  • Norton Healthcare’s four adult-service hospitals in Louisville are certified by DNV, recognizing excellence and expertise in stroke care.
    • Norton Brownsboro Hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
    • Norton Audubon Hospital and Norton Hospital are Primary Stroke Centers.
    • Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of neuroscientific research. As investigators on numerous trials, our physicians contribute to groundbreaking studies and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Also, patients may be eligible to take part in these experimental treatments.
    Learn more about current neuroscience clinical trials and studies.
  •  
  • The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines stroke care program has recognized all four of Norton Healthcare’s adult service-hospitals in Louisville for exceeding national averages in getting patients in the door and administering lifesaving treatment to restore blood flow to the brain.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute’s multiple sclerosis (MS) program has been designated a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has recognized Norton Neuroscience Institute as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, providing the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and ways to manage their disease.
  • We are listed by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 great neurosurgery and spine programs.

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