A new program by Grampians Community Health aims to help those living with movement disorders live in their homes for longer.
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The program, funded by the Federal government via the Western Victoria Primary Health Network, centres around the appointment of a movement disorder specialist nurse to support those living with illnesses such as Parkinson's to stay safe in their homes.
Grampians Community Health appointed Jeff Davies to the role.
Mr Davies said the program was designed to coordinate services to give people a better quality of life.
"The ultimate aim is to improve people's quality of life and to keep them safe and at home," he said.
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"People want to stay in their homes as long as possible. It's where the heart is."
As part of the program, movement disorder nurses like Mr Davies are also based at Horsham and Warracknabeal.
The nurses will visit homes to undertake clinical assessments and will refer people to support services as necessary.
"It's not a hands-on role but more like a case worker where I can refer them to services such as physios and dietitians and can liaise with health care professionals, doctors and neurologists to ensure everything runs smoothly," Mr Davies said.
People living with movement disorder don't need a GP referral to access the service and contact GCH intake services for an appointment.
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According to Mr Davies, the program had been developed in response to research that showed a slight spike in the number of people with Parkinson's Disease in the Wimmera-Grampians region.
While most people are assisted with Parkinson's Disease, the program will also provide support to those with Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Tourette's syndrome, and essential tremors and other similar disorders.
"It covers a broad range of conditions and we can help anyone who has a movement disorder," Mr Davies said, adding that the new role was an exciting challenge.
"I like to help people is the bottom line of why I became a nurse and this program can do a lot to improve the quality of life for people with movement disorders."
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