An interview with Dr. Brandy Archie from Ask Samie on December 4, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am Dr. Brandy Archie, occupational therapist for the past 16 years with a focus on aging in place. My expertise lies in empowering patients and families to navigate aging with dignity, utilizing my knowledge in occupational therapy and adaptive equipment. I’m a Kansas City native and within my community I noticed so many challenges with getting older and there being limited access to services that could really move the needle on quality of life.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
AskSAMIE is a platform that enables clinicians and individuals to make aging in place accessible for everyone. We offer a curated marketplace that provides personalized recommendations for adaptive equipment, services, and education, tailored to the unique needs of each user. Our mission is to empower older adults and their caregivers with the tools and resources needed for safe, independent living at home. This of course includes those with Parkinson’s. We pride ourselves on being a resource you can keep coming back to as things change so you don’t have to feel you have to take care of everything at once because that is overwhelming.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion lies in creating accessibility and enhancing quality of life for those with changing physical or cognitive abilities. I got involved in Parkinson’s awareness through my occupational therapy work, recognizing the critical need for specialized support and adaptive solutions for individuals affected by Parkinson’s. This experience fueled my dedication to not only provide practical assistance but also to advocate for research and advancements towards a cure.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Individuals with Parkinson’s typically seek goals centered around maintaining independence, managing symptoms, and enhancing their quality of life. Working with me, they often focus on adaptive strategies for daily activities, exercises to improve mobility and balance, and using specialized equipment like to navigate challenges posed by the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Specifically an individual with Parkinson’s aiming to maintain their ability to dine independently despite tremors would find solutions like weighted utensils to stabilize hand movements at AskSAMIE.com, along with articles on why adding weight can work for tremors and videos on how to be a care partner with someone with Parkinson’s.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
We are a resource that is available anytime bunt there’s not a commitment to a program. Come to us to find solutions for everyday problems. Get the adaptive equipment education and resources you need. And hopefully some problems are solved. Then come back to us as things change and find new solutions.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Using AskSAMIE can significantly enhance the daily living experience for individuals with Parkinson’s by providing personalized recommendations for adaptive equipment and resources. It empowers them with tailored solutions to address specific mobility and dexterity challenges, thus promoting greater independence and safety in their home environment. Additionally, our platform offers valuable education and support, fostering a better understanding and management of Parkinson’s-related needs.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
A future goal for AskSAMIE is to expand its reach and impact by integrating advanced technologies like AI to provide more precise, real-time adaptive solutions for aging in place. I envision AskSAMIE becoming a widely recognized and accessible resource, not only for clinicians and caregivers but also for healthcare systems, contributing significantly to improved healthcare outcomes and quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
What events do you participate in?
We spend a fair amount of time hosting and participating in educational events. Solutions are out there but the problem is people don’t know about them at the right time so as a team we take great care to be connected with as many organizations as we can that are promoting advocacy and education for individuals and caregivers. This includes our 3rd Thursday continuing education courses and Navigating the Life Course both with our local coalition called Senior Care Solutions Team and by participating in conferences.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
AskSAMIE assists caregivers by providing a comprehensive platform that simplifies the process of finding and accessing the right adaptive equipment, resources, and educational materials for aging in place. Caregivers can use the platform to receive personalized product recommendations tailored to their specific caregiving situation, reducing the guesswork and time involved in sourcing suitable solutions. Additionally, AskSAMIE’s educational content, both written and video, is really focused on caregivers to help them better understand and manage the challenges, ultimately reducing stress and enhancing the quality of care they provide.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
To get in touch and learn more about our services, you can visit our website at www.AskSAMIE.com. You can also get our best content by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
https://asksamie.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7bd20649076a5ec745ff6c9e3&id=1c352aba92)
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Engaging in community outreach, participating in awareness events, and supporting Parkinson’s-focused organizations are effective ways to spread awareness. Additionally, sharing personal stories or experiences, either directly or through social media platforms, can significantly contribute to public understanding. So don’t discount the power of telling your own story!
What are some misconceptions about aging?
I always like to answer some common misconceptions about aging in place and how does AskSAMIE address these.
Answer: A common misconception about aging in place is that it requires extensive and costly home renovations or that it’s only feasible for those with severe disabilities. AskSAMIE addresses this by providing accessible, cost-effective solutions and adaptive equipment that can significantly enhance home safety and functionality without the need for major renovations. We emphasize that aging in place is achievable with the right tools and resources, tailored to meet individual needs, whether they’re minor adjustments or more comprehensive solutions. This approach demystifies the concept of aging in place, making it a more approachable and realistic option for a broader range of individuals and families.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
I believe the key to effective advocacy lies in informed passion and clear communication. It’s essential to deeply understand the cause you’re advocating for, including its challenges and potential solutions, and to communicate this knowledge passionately yet clearly to engage and educate others. Building strong networks and partnerships is also crucial, as collaboration amplifies the impact and reach of advocacy efforts.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
To better fundraise for Parkinson’s research, focusing on community engagement and leveraging digital platforms is key. Organizing events like charity runs, awareness walks, or virtual fundraisers, where participants can gather donations, helps to involve the community directly. Additionally, using social media and online crowdfunding platforms to share compelling stories and information about Parkinson’s can broaden the reach and encourage donations from a global audience.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I like to pray each morning and really compartmentalize my time so that at work I’m focused and going hard but at home in the evenings I’m focused on my family. Because we have 3 little kids I try to be as active with them as possible for my exercise. Plus seeing the world through their eyes is my way of getting rejuvenated.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
People who don’t have Parkinson’s should care about this because Parkinson’s disease can impact anyone, and understanding it fosters a more compassionate and inclusive society. Awareness and support for Parkinson’s research not only contributes to finding a cure but also improves the quality of life for those affected, reflecting a collective commitment to public health and well-being. Moreover, advancements in Parkinson’s research can offer insights into other neurological disorders, benefiting broader medical science and healthcare.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
While I’ve had family members with low vision and dementia among other things, No family members to my knowledge have Parkinson’s.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Made a Way – Travis Greene
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“To the Parkinson’s community: Your strength and resilience in the face of challenges are a beacon of hope and inspiration. Remember, every step forward in understanding and managing Parkinson’s, no matter how small, is a stride towards a brighter future. Together, we are not just fighting a disease; we are nurturing a world of empathy, support, and relentless pursuit of a cure.”