Receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, for yourself or a loved one, can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, routines shift, questions multiply, and planning for the future becomes a priority.
In Bethesda, where many older adults already enjoy access to outstanding healthcare and community resources, families often wonder how to build a long-term care plan that meets their loved one’s evolving needs.
At The Kensington Bethesda, we understand the emotional weight of navigating Parkinson’s disease. That’s why we offer comprehensive, personalized support for individuals at every stage of the condition.
Our mission is to help residents maintain as much independence, joy, and comfort as possible while receiving expert care in a warm, welcoming environment.
If you’re searching for Parkinson’s care that Bethesda residents trust, this guide will help you explore available options and what to look for in a supportive senior living community.
Understanding Parkinson’s and Its Care Needs
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movement, balance, and coordination. Over time, symptoms may include tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, and difficulties with speech and walking. In later stages, cognitive changes and memory loss may also appear.
Because no two journeys with Parkinson’s are alike, it’s essential to have a flexible care plan that evolves with the individual. This may begin with light assistance at home but eventually require more hands-on support.
Common care needs include:
- Medication management
- Fall prevention and mobility assistance
- Help with dressing, bathing, and grooming
- Nutrition and swallowing support
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- Emotional and cognitive support
At The Kensington Bethesda, we offer all of these services, and more, with a team trained specifically in best practices for Parkinson’s care.
Bethesda’s Strong Foundation for Parkinson’s Support
Bethesda is home to one of the nation’s most respected healthcare hubs, making it an ideal location for individuals living with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s.
Residents here benefit from:
- Proximity to Suburban Hospital and NIH
- Access to Parkinson’s specialists and neurologists
- Community wellness programs and support groups
- Transportation options for medical appointments
- Local resources through Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Services
Still, as care needs grow, many families begin to explore assisted living communities that can provide consistent support in a safe, home-like environment.
The Kensington Bethesda’s Unique Parkinson’s Support
The Kensington Bethesda stands apart by offering elevated assisted living with Parkinson’s support that adjusts as the condition progresses.
We believe in providing proactive, personalized care that enables residents to live each day with dignity and comfort.
Our approach includes:
- Licensed nurses on-site 24/7 to oversee medications and care plans
- Fall-prevention measures, including grab bars, non-slip flooring, and safety monitoring
- Specialized dining programs for those with swallowing or motor challenges
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy coordination
- Emotional and cognitive support for both residents and families
- Engaging enrichment activities that encourage movement, purpose, and joy
We collaborate closely with family members and healthcare providers to ensure each resident’s care plan evolves as their needs change.
To learn more about our program, visit our page on assisted living at The Kensington Bethesda.
A Warm, Adaptable Home for Every Stage
Whether a resident is in the early stages of Parkinson’s or facing more complex challenges, The Kensington Bethesda offers a setting where they can thrive.
Our suites are spacious, beautifully furnished, and adaptable to meet various mobility needs.
Residents are encouraged to bring personal touches to make their space feel truly like home.
In addition to clinical support, we foster daily connection through:
- Music therapy
- Art classes and creative expression
- Seated fitness and movement programs
- Social clubs and discussion groups
- Outings and nature walks, when appropriate
Our team honors the preferences and abilities of each individual, never rushing care but always offering support where it’s needed most.
Support for Families on the Parkinson’s Journey
Parkinson’s disease not only affects the person diagnosed, it touches everyone who loves and cares for them.
At The Kensington Bethesda, we walk alongside families through education, encouragement, and personalized guidance.
We offer:
- Family meetings and care plan reviews
- Parkinson’s-focused workshops and events
- Emotional support and check-ins
- Community partnerships that offer additional tools and information
To explore more resources on understanding Parkinson’s and long-term planning, the Parkinson’s Foundation offers a wealth of accessible, evidence-based information.
When Memory Care Becomes Part of the Conversation
For some individuals living with Parkinson’s, memory changes or cognitive decline may appear in later stages of the disease. When that happens, The Kensington Bethesda is uniquely positioned to support residents through the transition from assisted living to memory care.
Our memory care neighborhoods, Connections for early to moderate memory loss, and Haven for more advanced conditions, provide:
- Secure, peaceful environments
- Purposeful daily routines
- Calming sensory experiences
- Specialized team training for Parkinson’s-related dementia
We ensure that each resident continues to receive consistent support, even as their care needs become more complex.
Learn more about our memory care at The Kensington Bethesda.
A Continuum of Care That Grows With You
What families value most at The Kensington Bethesda is continuity. We understand that Parkinson’s is a journey, and we walk it alongside you.
Couples are welcomed together, even if one partner requires more care than the other. Transitions are smooth and supportive. And throughout it all, our promise remains the same:
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
That promise is reflected in every resident’s personalized care plan, every warm conversation, and every detail of daily life.
Begin with a Conversation
If someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and you’re wondering what the future may hold, we invite you to start with a conversation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you explore whether our community is the right next step for you.
Contact us today to learn how The Kensington Bethesda can support you and your loved one through every stage of the journey.