In Fréjus, a new cutting-edge center for Parkinson's patients

The Aubier de Cybèle nursing home inaugurated an extension specially designed for people with Parkinson's disease on Thursday, August 28.

This 14-room space, the result of a partnership with France Parkinson and the Nice University Hospital , meets a growing need in the Var, one of the regions most affected by the pathology .

The summer heat did not discourage the families, residents and local elected officials who came to attend the inauguration of this new Parkinson's space, in the heart of the Korian Aubier de Cybèle EHPAD in Fréjus.

More than just an extension, it is a place designed to improve the daily lives of sick people and offer specialized support, combining technology, medical expertise and humanity .

Visitors discovered a space where every element was designed to meet the specific needs associated with Parkinson's disease.

In the bedrooms, longer door handles make it easier to grip, sliding doors allow for smoother movement , while discreet grab bars line the corridors to help residents combat "freezing" , those sudden blockages when walking.

A fall detector system , based on infrared sensors rather than cameras, automatically sends an alert to staff in the event of a problem.

"We wanted to create an environment that promotes autonomy while ensuring safety," explained Charline Blaudez, director of the establishment.

Neutral colors, chosen on the advice of neurologists, aim to limit the visual hallucinations that patients frequently suffer from.

During the visit, families were also able to discover certain features such as the motorized bed capable of standing almost upright to facilitate transfers. "This may seem trivial, but for a person with Parkinson's, every detail counts," the director emphasized.

In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the incidence rates of Parkinson's disease are among the highest in France. In the Var region, few establishments previously had specialized units. The opening of this extension in Fréjus therefore represents a significant step forward for families and caregivers .

"This is a regional project that meets a real need," said Marie-Thérèse Gatto, the councilor responsible for seniors, who came to represent the town hall. She praised the commitment of the staff, noting how much comfort these specialized units bring to loved ones.

"These people had rich lives and remarkable professions. Seeing them today supported with such professionalism and heart is very moving ," she said.

Already recognized for its Alzheimer's unit, Aubier de Cybèle thus becomes a support point for local associations and a relay for France Parkinson, which until now was only represented in the department in Toulon. Workshops, conferences, and therapeutic activities will be regularly organized there to maintain the link with the territory.

Beyond the Parkinson's area, this expansion is part of a larger modernization project for the facility. The day center has been redesigned and expanded to accommodate patients and relieve caregivers, while a new physiotherapy room has been created to enhance physical care. Fifteen rooms have been renovated, as have the infirmary and staff rest areas, and an additional elevator has been installed.

For Charline Blaudez and her teams, this project is the result of a long collaboration with the Nice University Hospital and the France Parkinson association.

"We were able to work hand in hand with the best experts, which allowed us to adapt our design and training choices to the real needs of patients," she emphasized. Caregivers have indeed benefited from specific training to acquire in-depth expertise in the disease.