Ukiah >> A neuropathy support group will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 26. at 5:30 p.m. at North Coast Opportunities’ conference room, at 413 N. State St. in Ukiah.
Neuropathy is a disease or dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathic pain is difficult to control and can seriously affect emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Those interested in exploring the ins and outs of neuropathy are welcome to attend these support meetings, which are held the last Tuesday of the month.
Featured Guest Lecturers are Judi Berdis, OTR/L and Margaret Bracewell, OTR/L. They will bring with them appliances to demonstrate how helpful these aids can be.
Berdis is an Occupational Therapist (OT). She graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in 1968. She founded Berdis & Associates in 1970 and, with her seven OT employees, consulted with and provided OT services to 50 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), two psychiatric facilities in LA, and consulted with seven SNFs to obtain their Rehab Licenses.
She moved to Willits in 1990 to work at Northbrook, and has worked in acute care, home health, adult day health care, long term care and private practice. Her specialties include physical disabilities, psychiatric OT, low vision rehabilitation, home modification and driver rehabilitation. She has mentored three women to become OTRs and four to become COTAs and one to become a RPT. She is a sought after speaker and is a published author in OT related periodicals.
Presenting with her is Margaret Bracewell. Between both women, they figure they have almost 100 years of OT experience together.
For information about the support group, contact Carole Hester at 972-2795. This group is part of Western Neuropathy Association.
