Nurses Actively Engaged in Caring for Parkinson's Patients
In a coastal town of Coffs Harbour, Judy Brooks has been navigating her life with Parkinson's Disease since her diagnosis in late 2013. While initially finding a local support group not particularly relevant, Judy gravitated towards a group catering to younger patients a few years on.
It was through this group that Judy came across Vince Carroll and Amanda Buzio, her local Parkinson's Specialist Nurses. These dedicated professionals are chosen by Parkinson's NSW and the local health district to support local communities affected by the disease.
Amanda, a Parkinson's Specialist Nurse, has been influential in Judy's life. "Vince and Amanda are absolutely wonderful," Judy praises. "They're always there to listen, offering an understanding ear whenever I need it."
Their role extends beyond individual support. Vince and Amanda also collaborate with healthcare professionals, inviting experts such as dietitians and physiotherapists to meet with the support group. Moreover, they encourage group members to draw on their collective wisdom and experiences to support one another.
For Vince, joining the support group was more than just a means of receiving help; it was also an opportunity to give back. "Initially, I felt I was managing OK. But it was a chance to help others, too," he reflects.
Judy has been actively involved in Parkinson's NSW Unity Walk fundraisers in Coffs Harbour. However, a fall in 2020 required rehabilitation before returning home, limiting her involvement with the support group. Despite this, Vince and Amanda remained a constant source of support, offering home visits and phone calls whenever needed.
In the local Parkinson's community, Vince and Amanda are highly regarded for their contributions. As Parkinson's Specialist Nurses, they play a critical role, ensuring care is tailored to the needs of individuals and the community as a whole. By providing specialized care, education, and support, they help improve health outcomes and strengthen community networks.
Sources:[1] Parkinson's NSW. (n.d.). Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses. Retrieved from https://www.parkinsons-nsw.org.au/
[2] Parkinson's Australia. (n.d.). Parkinson's Specialist Nurses. Retrieved from https://www.parkinsons.org.au/
[3] Parkinson's Victoria. (n.d.). Parkinson's Specialist Nurses and Clinical Nurse Consultants. Retrieved from https://www.parkinsonvic.org.au/
[4] Parkinson's UK. (n.d.). Parkinson's specialist nurses. Retrieved from https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
[5] The Michael J. Fox Foundation. (2021, February 25). Parkinson's disease specialist nurses: Role, responsibilities, and impact. Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/community/parkinsons-disease-specialist-nurses-role-responsibilities-impact
- The role of Vince and Amanda, Parkinson's Specialist Nurses, is not limited to individual support; they also work closely with medical professionals, inviting experts like dietitians and physiotherapists to meet with the support group, and encourage group members to help each other.
- In addition to their work in fitness and exercise, Vince and Amanda are committed to addressing mental health and neurological disorders, and are instrumental in supporting Judy Brooks, a Coffs Harbour resident living with Parkinson's Disease.
- Parkinson's Specialist Nurses, like Vince and Amanda, are essential in the health-and-wellness sector, providing specialized care, education, and support that aim to improve health outcomes, while fostering strong community networks and promoting mental health and wellness.
