She was born in Chester, South Carolina on January 4,1917, to Thomas and Dora Buckson. Her mother was a teacher, while her father commuted to Baltimore to work at Sparrows Point.

Following several brief hospitalizations, Mrs. Ardis Watkins has enlisted the services of P-B Health Home Care Agency to remain in her home while recuperating.

As a young woman, Miss Ardis Buckson moved to Baltimore City to start her adult life. Here, she met and married Mr. Norbon Watkins, and from this union three children were born.

“We had a wonderful life together until his death in October of 2005,” stated Mrs. Watkins.

Throughout her adult life, Mrs. Watkins worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital and then the old City Hospital. After retiring from City, she volunteered at Bon Secours Hospital for seven years, earning many awards for her service.

Additionally, Mrs. Watkins has been a long time member of The Village Baptist Church and retains her membership today.

After so many years of caring for others, the time came when Mrs. Watkins needed care for herself. Through the Department of Aging, the family was put in touch with P-B Health Home Care Agency.

Following a thorough evaluation of her needs, P-B Health began providing personal care and chore services to Mrs. Watkins. Olivia Cross, a CNA and home health aide, was assigned to her care.

“Olivia has been very courteous, caring and helpful in assisting with my personal needs,” said Mrs. Watkins. “Ms. Cross is a fine representative for P-B Health, and my family and I have become very fond of her.”

In her later years, Mrs. Watkins has had several brief hospitalizations, after which skilled home health services were prescribed. These services have provided Mrs. Watkins with the benefits of nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, and nutritional counseling in the comfort of her own home.

“Each [staff member I have worked with] was skilled and provided exceptionally good service,” reported Mrs. Watkins.

Mrs. Ardis Watkins continues to do well and to live in her home. If she ever needs services again following a hospitalization or illness, she will not hesitate to call P-B Health to help her recuperate.

The following are real-life stories of residents that have benefitted from the program:

Getting Great Rehabilitation in Assisted Living

Mildred Walker grew up in Northern Michigan before she came to Washington, D.C. during WWII to work in the Pentagon. She worked for several news commentators during her career and met her husband, a Navy Officer, with whom she had three children.

Living alone, she had an unfortunate fall that sent her to the hospital and then to a rehabilitation center. She eventually found Emeritus of Arlington, an assisted living community in Ballston that offers a full rehabilitation program in partnership with Genesis.

Previously using a wheelchair when she moved to the community, Mildred now only requires the use of a walker. “I have come a long way,” she said, crediting the team’s approach to her rehabilitation and therapy.

Using Technology to Rehabilitate in Assisted Living

Alex Almasov was born in Argentina and moved to the U.S. at age 12. After college, he joined the State Department and served in five countries while raising two children with his wife. In 2009, he showed symptoms of paralysis in his lower extremities caused by an infection and, despite several surgeries, did not regain control of his legs.

Alex started a rehabilitation program and had been at two facilities before moving to Emeritus. “The rehabilitation services are wonderful,” he said. “I have made very clear progress in my three and half months here.”

He marveled at the technology and opportunities for independence that his electric wheelchair offers and the progress that has been made since the Americans with Disabilities Act first passed. He has also been impressed with services like MetroAccess which makes it possible for people to better connect with others.

For those facing similar challenges, Alex said therapy requires discipline, but he greatly appreciates the support he has received in rehabilitation in order to achieve his goals.

Occupational Therapy in Assisted Living Makes a Difference

Mary Buckley was not only born and raised in New Orleans, but it is where she had four of her five children. Her husband’s service in the Regan Administration brought the family to Washington, D.C.

Following his passing, she was reaching for something up high in the grocery store and fell which ledi to several complications. She was already familiar with the assisted living community and felt it was an excellent alternative.

At the community Mary serves as the head of the Resident Council. An avid swimmer, she compared the philosophy she shared when teaching swimming lessons to the encouragement she receives in the rehabilitation program. “I don’t believe in telling someone what they are doing wrong all the time; you have to give them encouragement so they will come back the next day,” she said.

Occupational Therapist Pat Smith said, “Mary has been a wonderful student.” In addition to traditional exercise programs, Pat’s team was able to modify Mary’s environment, making her apartment easier and safer to navigate.

Like Tom, over 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological condition that is second only to Alzheimer’s Disease in prevalence. Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by tremor, rigidity, slow movement, and trouble with balance. “Most patients first notice difficulties with fine motor skills which are affected by tremor and slow movement,” says Dr. Kevin Biglan, a neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. “These include activities such as buttoning buttons, washing hair, and eating.”

Celia Bassich, an Assistant Professor at Towson University, says speech and swallowing can also be affected. “The first voice change usually involves talking in a much softer voice than is typical of conversational speaking. However, the person with Parkinson’s feels that he or she is talking at a normal loudness level.” Says Bruyere, “I recognized that I was slowing down even before I actually knew that it was Parkinson’s. My symptoms were life-changing and continue to be.”

Parkinson’s Disease was first discovered by James Parkinson in 1817 and was chronicled in his early work “Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” It is a neurological disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. When about 50% of these cells disappear, patients start to experience symptoms such as tremor and slow movement. The theory behind the cause of Parkinson’s Disease is still unknown, although several studies suggest exposure to chemicals in the environment and genetic mutations may both play a role. “There are several genetic and environmental factors that may predispose a person to develop Parkinson’s Disease,” says Dr. Ted Dawson, director of the Parkinsons’s Disease and Movement Center at Johns Hopkins. “In addition, specific chemicals used in the agricultural industry have caused Parkinson-like symptoms to occur in animal models.”

Although Parkinson’s Disease eventually becomes debilitating in its more advanced stages, medications are available to help patients with movement. Levodopa (pronounced lee-vo-do-pa), a chemical that has been in existence since the 1960s is still considered the “gold standard” for Parkinson’s patients, and is perhaps the most widely prescribed medication for the disease. In addition, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery has been shown to be very effective in eliminating several of the symptoms of this disease. For most people with Parkinson’s, a comprehensive approach to therapy is the best way to treat the effects of the disease. Says Biglan, “People should see a Movement Disorder Specialist as soon as possible to help them with the primary symptoms and medications of the disease. We can then refer them to other specialties – such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – as the need arises.”

Tom Bruyere sees hope for many people with Parkinson’s Disease. He has participated in several clinical research studies for new medications and is on constant watch for new therapies. “I am enthusiastic about some of the new treatments and the research that is going on.” He also participates in area support groups and recognizes the need for patients and caregivers to constantly increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s. “I think there is reluctance on some people’s parts to go to support groups, but once they attend, they learn that they dramatically increase your education. They help people at all levels.”

In searching for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Dawson thinks that research is moving in the right direction to find a cure within the next few years. “The advances that we are making in research are very promising for patients with this disease. New treatments are regularly being developed, and it is only a matter of time before a significant breakthrough surfaces.”

As for Bruyere and his wife, Kathy, they are expecting to make a move of their own in the near future to be closer to their children and grandchildren. “I have hope in research but until they cure this disease, we’ll keep pressing on.”

For more information, contact the Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center (410-955-8795; www.hopkinspdmd.org), the National Parkinson Foundation (1-800-327-4545;www.parkinson.org), or the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (703-891-0821; www.parkinsonfoundation.org).