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:

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