Kansas City, KS, Palliative care is often misunderstood as end-of-life care, but for patients living with Parkinson’s disease, it can mean living better every day. On this episode of All Things Brain Health, 75-year-old Mary Thurber shares her journey navigating the physical and emotional challenges of Parkinson’s, from memory loss and mobility issues to depression and cognitive changes. Alongside specialists from The University of Kansas Health System, the discussion highlights how palliative care teams help patients manage symptoms, maintain independence, support caregivers and improve quality of life at every stage of the disease.
Mary Thurber, Patient
Mary discusses how palliative care has changed her life because she completely trusts her team.
She explains the other issues that he knew about prior to discovering heart murmur.
She explains how she initially thought Palliative care as end of life, but now she knows how much it’s helping her with her quality of life.
She gives an example of how the team helped her – She was having an issue getting a specific medication and the Palliative care team was able to jump in and help!
Dr. Shauna Gibbons, Hospice and Palliative Care, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Gibbons speaks about the common problems she sees in her office, both physical and mental.
She talks about how pill rolling is distinctive to Parkinson’s.She explains “sundowners” and some of the ways patients can stay safe with this.
Kate Shoemaker, Palliative Care Social Worker, The University of Kansas Health System
Kate talks about how palliative care can holistically support the patient and their families.
She explains there’s a misconception that palliative care does not mean end of life, it really means quality of life.
Loren Steinfelds, Palliative Care Nurse Coordinator, The University of Kansas Health System
Loren explains that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is life changing.
She can see patients in their home environment, virtually, to see how they can help with everyday tasks. Sometimes patients feel more comfortable especially if any of your family members can be there.
She says they show the patient there is a whole team working with them.