At Edgemere, Dallas’s premier Life Plan community, wellness isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a way of life. That campus-wide philosophy is the foundation of a comprehensive new effort to support residents with Parkinson’s through advanced training, thoughtful programming, and expert support.
A Culture of Understanding and Excellence
Edgemere is now setting a benchmark in care as the first senior living community in Texas to be recognized as a Certified Parkinson Disease Care™ (CPDC) facility.
Unlike traditional certifications that focus solely on clinical teams, Edgemere’s CPDC status means that all team members — from caregivers and fitness instructors to servers in the restaurants, concierges, and housekeepers — have completed specialized training covering Parkinson’s symptoms, medication management, therapy considerations, and practical guidance for day-to-day support.
“We wanted to go beyond basic awareness,” says Executive Director Teresa Bates. “Now, every member of our team has the tools to recognize what a resident might be experiencing and respond with both empathy and expertise.”
Parkinson’s training is now a required part of Edgemere’s continuing education for all staff. The community also benefits from CPDC Advocates — staff leaders who model person-centered care and reinforce best practices.
Programming That Makes a Difference
Edgemere’s wellness-focused lifestyle helps all residents thrive and maintain their independence, but within the community’s robust fitness offerings are several classes that help people with Parkinson’s build strength, mobility, and confidence:
- Boxing sessions every Friday to support motor control and stamina
- “Pound It Out” cardio drumming for rhythmic movement and energy
- Aquatic therapy to reduce stiffness and ease joint movement
While designed with Parkinson’s in mind, these programs are inclusive — residents of all ability levels are encouraged to participate, creating shared experiences that support body, mind, and spirit — and those all-important social ties, too.
Edgemere residents with Parkinson’s also benefit from customized care plans that integrate physical activity, cognitive engagement, and therapeutic services to support long-term wellness and independence.
“There’s a misconception that a Parkinson’s diagnosis is the end of the road,” Bates says. “But we’ve seen residents continue to thrive for 10, 15 years — and a big part of that is having a network of people who truly understands them and the correct services to fully support them.”
The design of the community also allows couples and loved ones to stay together. With independent living residences located just steps away from The Plaza, the community’s health center for residents needing assisted living or memory care support, Edgemere makes it easy for spouses and friends to remain close, connected, and engaged in each other’s lives.
A Walk with Purpose
Edgemere’s commitment to Parkinson’s support was on full display during the First Annual Walk for Parkinson’s, which was held on campus in partnership with the Dallas Area Parkinson Society (DAPS). Nearly 500 people gathered to raise awareness, celebrate resilience, and show solidarity with the more than 15,000 North Texans living with Parkinson’s disease. The walk featured live music, raffles, and a strong sense of community.
“We were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic turnout for the walk,” says Holly Worrell, Edgemere’s Lifestyles Director. “It showed residents affected by Parkinson’s — and those in the larger community — that they’re not alone. We’re already planning next year’s walk and hope it becomes an annual tradition until that wonderful day when a cure is found.”
Please click here to watch a video recapping the Walk for Parkinsons.
Edgemere is also launching a new Parkinson’s support group that will be open not only to residents and their families but also to people affected by Parkinson’s in the broader Dallas community.
Looking Ahead
Edgemere continues to innovate, with plans to open a sensory room in The Plaza designed to benefit those with movement disorders and cognitive challenges. This calming, adaptive environment will add yet another resource to the community’s growing suite of Parkinson’s-focused support.
As the first CPDC facility in Texas — and a national model for inclusive wellness —Edgemere is proving what’s possible when care is personalized, staff members are empowered, and residents are truly seen.
To learn more about Edgemere’s Parkinson’s programming or schedule a tour, visit https://edgemerelife.com/contact-us/.
