Caregiver Digest July-August 2020
Contributed by Kathy Mason Coffee Break: The emotional Roller coaster of Caregiving According to AARP, six in 10 caregivers provide care for adults with a long term physical condition such…
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Heather Simpson, OTR/L
Heather Simpson graduated with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Early Education from the University of Florida in 2007. Following her Bachelor’s degree, Heather received a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, in 2009, from the University of Florida. Since completion of graduate school, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient neurology, inpatient physical rehabilitation and pediatric rehab. Currently, Heather splits her time between Shands Rehab at UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration and Shands Rehab for Kids at Magnolia Parke.
Heather provides occupational therapy evaluations and treatment for patients seen in the Ataxia clinic and Muscular Dystrophy clinics. She also evaluates and treats a variety of other movement disorders diagnoses including Parkinson’s, Parkinsonisms, Dystonia, Essential Tremor and Tics/Tourette’s Syndrome.
Heather has received specialized training for LSVT BIG ® and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
Returning to School with TS during COVID
It can be difficult for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and the co-occurring conditions to handle transitions and changes in their daily life, and transitioning back to school can be particularly hard. Historically, the start of the school year can lead to an increase in tics, anxiety or other TS-related…
Living with Tourette Syndrome and Dealing with Uncertainty
Panic at The Disco Living with the Unknown I can hear you but I won't Some look for trouble while others don't “Into the unknown…What do you want? 'Cause you've…
Caregiver Digest June 2020
Contributed by Arlene D’Alli, MSW, LCSW and Kathy Mason It’s been said that PD is a “snowflake disease” as no two patients present the same. However, there are many similarities in the caregiver’s journey of how to most successfully deal with it. Caregivers of PD patients are resilient. They…
The Importance of Oral Care in Parkinson’s Disease
By: Lindsay Arena, MA, CF-SLP Swallowing dysfunction is frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is commonly associated with aspiration pneumonia, which is the leading cause of death in PD. Aspiration pneumonia is a bacterial infection in the lungs that occurs when saliva, food, liquid, or regurgitated material enters the…
Insights from a PD Caregiver
Caregivers Count Written by Kathleen Mason Between 1990-2015, those diagnosed with PD grew from 2.6 million to 6.3 million worldwide. Currently, in the U.S., 34 million care for an adult over 50, more than half with a neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s. You are not alone! Behind each of…
Proactive Planning for COVID Hospitalizations
Proactive Care Planning for COVID-19 Plan Ahead…
We Respect You and We Value You
Leadership within the Fixel Institute, on behalf of our care team, would like to take the opportunity to voice our support for a diverse, inclusive clinic and community. Recent tragedies have raised strong emotion and deep…
Maintaining Function with Parkinson’s Disease During COVID-19
Navigating Parkinson’s Disease (PD)can be a challenge. However, with the recent Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), staying healthy and safe can be additionally challenging. To minimize the functional impact that this pandemic has caused on one’s physical and mental well-being, it is important to follow these simple, practical strategies for success.
How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment
With the shift to telehealth services during this COVID pandemic, learning how to use technology can be a challenge. Thankfully, the we have some resources to help you become familiar with telehealth technology and steps to prepare for your neurology virtual appointment. laptop-smiley…
