Multidisciplinary Assessment Clinic
Successfully managing your Parkinson’s disease requires that you be informed and active participants in your care. Motivation, information, skills and confidence are necessary to effectively make decisions about your health and how to manage it. To positively impact your quality of life you and your family must have the ability to manage your symptoms, treatment, physical and social consequences and lifestyle changes inherent in living with a chronic condition.
At the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center we are committed to helping you maintain your quality of life at every step on your journey with Parkinson’s disease.
During the clinic visit you will receive a comprehensive assessment by a team of health care professionals. An Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist and Social Worker will complete individual assessments. Each assessment will take 45 – 60 minutes. Based on your assessment the team will make practical suggestions to help you manage your PD and improve your quality of life.
Occupational therapists help individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. They give people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. This may include techniques or equipment to improve your ability to perform daily activities.
Physical therapists help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. They will be interested in how you walk, your strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function.
Speech therapists help with difficulties with voice control and volume as well as with swallowing problems. Our speech therapist has been trained and has experience with the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Program, specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease
Social workers help people function the best way they can in their environment, deal with their relationships, find resources and solve personal and family problems. They also provide the psychosocial support needed to cope with a chronic disease.
The Multidisciplinary Assessment Clinic takes place in the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation Department. Located at 114 W Thomas Road (602-406-3230). Parking is available off Merrell Street, in front of the building.
Please be at the Clinic by 8 am at the latest.
When you enter the Outpatient Rehab building please register with the receptionist and let them know you are there for the Parkinson’s disease clinic. At this time you will be asked to complete some paperwork.
Following completion of the paperwork you will be taken to the conference room and introduced to the therapists who will be completing your assessments. You will see each therapist individually for 45-60 minutes. The first therapist seeing you will accompany you to the assessment area and make sure you get to you next assessment. Following your four assessments, which will take until 12:30 p.m. you will have a one-hour break to enjoy a lunch that will be provided. During this time staff from the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center will meet with you to answer questions and provide you with educational materials. The team will be meeting to discuss your assessments and put together recommendations and suggestions for you.
Recommendations may include referrals to additional services like Pharmacy, Nutrition or Music Therapy. Existing Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center programs and resources including Massage Clinic, community-based recreation classes, support groups and educational services will also be considered.
At 1 p.m. you will meet with one of the therapists who will review the assessment findings and recommendations with you. Both you and your physician will receive a copy of the report and recommendation.
One month following your assessment you will receive a phone call from us to see how you are doing with the recommendations and suggestions and to see if you have any further questions. You will also be called 6 months after your assessment.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in easily
Please bring:
- Completed forms sent to you before your clinic appointment
- Your insurance card
- Your medication that you would normally take during the time period that you will be at the clinic
- Something to drink and snack on
We would encourage you to bring a family member with you so that they can share the experience and hear the results with you.
If you have any questions or would like to be seen in the Multidisciplinary Assessment Clinic please contact Jean June at 602-406-4266
