Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program was founded in 2007 by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals from Meadowlark. The program has been a regional leader for services to those affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD) since that time. The Parkinson’s Program is available to residents of Meadowlark Hills, as well as individuals in the Flint Hills region and beyond. All services are free of charge. Referrals and/or registration is not required. Come be a part of an active crew and participate in exercise groups, support groups, and other activities that will help you or your loved one live well with PD.

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a common chronic degenerative neurological disease that affects more than one million Americans. It is likely to affect you or a loved one at some point in your life.

About the Program

If you would like a personalized plan, the Parkinson’s Program can help. Our interdisciplinary team has completed the Parkinson's Foundation team training program for additional competencies. The program's trained team of professionals is available to assist you with any information regarding evaluations, treatment, and insurance coverage. Referrals can be made by the person with Parkinson’s, family members, or physicians.

This program is a comprehensive approach to living with Parkinson’s, including but not limited to the following components:

• Medication monitoring
• Nutritional counseling
• Patient/family education
• Counseling and support groups
• Exercise programs
• Group classes
• Resource library

Additonal PD services offerend through Meadowlark include:

• Physical strength and mobility
• Swallowing function (evaluation and treatment)
• Speech (evaluation and treatment)
• LSVT – Lee Silverman Voice Treatment - LOUD & BIG
• PWR Moves!

The goal of Meadowlark's specially trained nurses, social workers, aides, and therapists is to help patients manage their PD while maintaining maximum independence and quality of life.

Get Involved

Exercise Class - All ability levels are encouraged to attend. Exercises are designed specifically to target PD symptoms and can be done seated or standing. The class meets Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the Community Room at Meadowlark.

Rock Steady Boxing Meadowlark is a non-contact boxing class taught by certified coaches. An evaluation must be completed before attending the class. Please contact Jeff Heidbreder at (785) 537-4610 for more information.

• Meadowlark in Manhatta: Wednesday at 3 p.m.
• Body First in Manhattan: Tuesday at 7 a.m. & Friday at 1 p.m.
• Junction City Athletic Training Center: Tuesday & Thursday at 10 a.m.

Voice Class is taught during the fall and spring KSU semesters on Mondays from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. in the Community Room at Meadowlark. Classes involve voice exercises, cognitive tasks, and conversation. It is led by a Speech Language Pathologist and KSU graduate students.

The Parkinson's Education Group of the Flint Hills meets the first Thursday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Meadowlark. This is a monthly education group for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers featuring guest speakers to discuss topics related to PD.

Care Partner Support Group meets the second and fourth Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Flint Hills Room at Meadowlark. Group discussion relate to challenges of a caregiver and ways to cope with daily challenges of providing care to a loved one with Parkinson's. Additional benefits include forming connections, building a support network, and discovering local and national resources. This group is facilitate by a licensed social worker.

Caring Conversations for People with Pd meets the second and fourth Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Community Room at Meadowlark Hills. Join this opportunity to share your experiences and receive support from others with a Parkinson's or Parkinsonian diagnosis. It is open to all with a diagnosis at any stage of your journey.

The Young Onset Parkinson's Group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. This group is designed to serve anyone in the Flint Hills region who was diagnosed with PD before retirement. The location varies; please call (785) 323-3899 for details.

Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson's Disease: For information on the annual fundraiser for Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, visit the Speedy Pd Race for Parkinson's Disease website.

Individual Consulatations: Meet with our Memory Program staff for an informal opportunity to share your journey with cognitive changes. The team will assist you in identifying ideas and opportunities for education, exercise, engagement, and support. Consultations are encouraged for newly diagnosed, those with significant changes, or simply to check in. Please call (785) 323-3899 to schedule your free consultation.

Virtual/Remote Engagement Opportunities: Contact Meadowlark Memory Program at (785) 323-3899 to learn what opportunities are available for virtual or remote engagement.

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