Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, slow and progressive disease characterized by the destruction of a specific population of neurons, the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra of the brain.
It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in France following Alzheimer’s and is the second cause of motor disability following stroke2.
This pathology results in motor disorders (slowness of movement, stiffness of the limbs, tremors at rest, swallowing and balance disorders) and non-motor disorders (sleep disorders, extreme fatigue, anxiety, etc.), which vary in presentation and intensity according to each patient.
Existing treatments make it possible to control the motor symptoms associated with the disease but to date have no effect on the other symptoms and they do not make it possible to act on the loss of neurons in the brain.
It turns out that Parkinson’s is a disease particularly prevalent in the PACA region with one of the highest rates in France*. This region of France being particularly “old”. In response to the specific needs of these people, the layout of the space in this EHPAD makes it possible to improve their daily lives while ensuring their safety.
In order to prevent the risks associated with falls, the rooms are equipped with detectors, the doors are sliding, and walking aid bars are installed in the circulation spaces.
Each resident receives a watch to alert staff in the event of an incident. The paintings on the walls and furniture are in neutral colors to reduce the risk of frequent visual hallucinations in people with the disease.
Still in order to meet the specific support needs of these residents, the nursing and non-nursing staff received training from the France Parkinson association.
The healthcare team benefited from training provided by teams from the Nice University Hospital, allowing them to understand the specifics of drug and non-drug management.
* PUBLIC HEALTH FRANCE / Frequency of Parkinson’s disease in France. National and regional data 2010-2015
