Parkinsons Disease Support Groups In Northern And Central California
Heres a list of pandemic -time Parkinsons disease support groups in Northern and Central California. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many support groups have gone virtual/online while others are on hiatus. A few are meeting face-to-face.
Are you a caregiver to someone with PD or atypical parkinsonism living in Northern or Central California? Check out our list of caregiver-only support groups.
Are the meeting days/times below not ideal for you? Or do you live outside of Northern and Central California? Check out our lists of online support groups and scheduled virtual nationwide support groups.
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Other Support Groups In Virginia
There are many more support groups in Virginia. Our thanks to Susan Dietrich from APDA at UVA in Charlottesville for providing us with this comprehensive list.
To contact Susan to add your group to the list:Susan DietrichCoordinator, American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center of VirginiaPhone: 434-982-4482 | Email:
Grief Support Group Meets Monthly
Faith Lutheran Church offers a grief support group that meets the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The church is at 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive, Lecanto.
Grief comes in many forms and for many reasons. The support group helps those in the midst of loss take the journey in finding who they are.
For more information, call 352-527-3325.
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What Are Parkinsons Caregivers Support Groups
Parkinsons caregivers support groups are meetings designed for the family members and loved ones of people with Parkinsons disease . If you live with or care for someone with advanced PD, you may find support groups a great source of comfort and a chance to connect with other caregivers. If someone you love has been newly diagnosed with Parkinsons, support groups can help you and your loved one come to terms with their condition, seek out information and know what to expect.
Here are some of the benefits of Parkinson disease support groups for caregivers:
- Connection: As a caregiver, you may not have many opportunities to socialize. Attending a Parkinsons caregivers support group is a chance to connect with others who understand your situation.
- Advice: Support groups arent just for emotional support they can also be great for practical advice, especially from others who have been where you are.
- Education: The more you can learn about your loved ones condition, the more you can help them. A support group should provide you with plenty of information and actionable advice both in terms of caring for someone with Parkinsons disease and making sure your own needs are met.
- Knowing you are not alone: Being a caregiver can be isolating at times. Simply knowing youre not alone can help relieve depression and equip you with coping skills.
Volunteer In Your Community
Support groups at PRO are coordinated by a volunteer facilitator, or group of co-facilitators, who usually have personal experience and knowledge of Parkinsons disease.
Facilitators receive special one-on-one orientation, administrative support, as well as ongoing training opportunities to ensure the best possible environment for the group. If you live in a community that does not have a local support group listed, please call Jess to discuss ways to get one started! 800-426-6806
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What Are Parkinsons Support Groups
Parkinsons support groups are a gathering of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. Support groups are also a place to give and receive emotional and practical support to others who are in the same situation. Parkinsons support group meetings provide you with a chance to:
Support For Families With Issues
Seven Rivers Church offers several support groups for family issues:
- Are your children angry, hurt, and confused about your separation or divorce? DivorceCare for Kids is a safe, fun place where your children, ages 5-10, can learn skills that will help them heal. DC4K groups blend games, music, stories, videos, and discussion to help kids process divorce and move forward. DivorceCare for Kids meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Seven Rivers Church.
- Relatives As Parents is offered to grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the role of primary caregiver for related children. This support group is a free, informative support group meeting where you can gather with fellow grandparents and relative care providers who share similar experiences. Assorted topics will be discussed that can help you and the child you care for. RAP Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at Seven Rivers Church.
- Teen MOPS is a faith-based, supportive, and safe environment where teen moms can come together with other moms who are in a similar life stage. Through Teen MOPS, young moms can build friendships and grow as parents in a place where they are fully known and deeply loved. Teen MOPS meets at Seven Rivers Church. Visit the website for meeting dates.
For more information about these groups, visit www.sevenrivers.org or call the church office at 352-746-6200.
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Parkinson Association Of The Carolinas Virtual Support Group
We know in person meetings may not be available in your area and, often times, finding meetings that fit our schedules is difficult, so we are now offering a FREE monthly Virtual Support Group ONLINE!
Our next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 3rd at 2:00 P.M.
Join the PAC team Holly Kennedy and Janet Ceraldi to discuss Fall Prevention Considerations for People with Parkinsons Disease.
View Support Group Meetings Map in a full screen map.
Please contact a PAC team member for more information on support groups including contact information and current status at 245-2786.
If you would like to submit your support group for public listing or would like to submit changes to a listed support group, please contact .
Why join a support group?
People who have been through, or are going through, a similar circumstance can do more than sympathize with you they can relate to your situation and keep you from feeling like you are alone. Support group members offer firsthand insight into many aspects of navigating the disease.
For some people, the most difficult step is walking through the door, but most find that once they make the decision, the experience is helpful and supportive. Remember, a support group is not a substitute for medical treatment or professional counseling and it is not a replacement for family and friends.
When do support groups meet?
What can PAC do to help a support group?
Other Places To Find Support
Support groups aren’t for everyone. If they don’t appeal to you, there’s no need to force it. If you were involved in community, religious or hobby-based organizations in your life before Parkinson’s, keep up those ties and friendships. In addition, educating yourself about Parkinson’s, and getting involved with local or national Parkinson’s organizations, can be ways to meet people who share some experiences with you without joining a support group.
Find Support in the Parkinsons Buddy Network
Create connections and find community online in the Parkinsons Buddy Network. Were building an online support system, one buddy at a time.
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At This Time All Support Groups Are Only Available Remotely Via Zoom
PWP support groups provide opportunities for participants to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about medication, exercise, or other treatments. Each group is led by a facilitator with Parkinsons or a caregiver. If you are unsure if a support group is right for you, or if you have any questions about one or more of these groups, please call 250-360-6800, or email us at and we will connect you with the group facilitator to learn more.
The following support groups are maintaining their monthly meetings via Zoom. Please contact us by phone or email to register.
This group is for people living with Parkinsons.
Meets monthly on the SECOND Tuesday
1:30 pm 3:00 pm
Sharon Had Gone To A Support Group But Decided That Though She Was Normally Quite Sociable This
and probably most importantly I have access to the occupational health counsellor, and when I started I thought that, a couple of sessions, on we be, wed be through. And what I have found is that the counselling sessions have been really, really helpful, I found them very, very difficult because we have talked a lot about my loss. So he has identified that I have had to deal with a lot of loss and therefore its made me dealing with, diagnosis and adjustment more difficult because I havent actually dealt with anything else so we, we do, you know, have to discuss things I dont want to talk about which is relationship with my, husband, relationship with my, family, how I felt about my sister dying, how I feel about, the people I work with, and it, it can be quite harrowing but, but it, but its been very useful because its meant that Ive been able to say what Ive thought I needed to say which perhaps I cant say to other people, and thats been very therapeutic.
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Dailystrength Parkinsons Disease Support Group
Key Specs
- Details: Easy-to-use interface, small and intimate support group, and provides access to doctors
- Things to consider: It’s not a very active group
The DailyStrength Parkinsons Disease Support Group is a free and welcoming online support community with more than 400 members and 3,000 posts.
The mission of the group is centered around empowering and inspiring each other to overcome PD-related and life challenges.
Overall, the DailyStrength website is easy to navigate, and registration is straightforward and quick. Posts are informational, practical, and thoughtful. This is, perhaps, a good place to start for people looking for a smaller, more intimate online support group that is not overwhelming or associated with a national organization.
Even though the site is not moderated, to keep the support group safe and positive, DailyStrength has a set of guidelines that the members are asked to follow.
Get It Out Men’s Peer Group
Exchange experiences, ideas, and support with others living with Parkinsons disease in this support group facilitated by Parkinson Place Members.
Sign up for free to become a member and receive links to join support group meetings. All times are Pacific
- Every Friday, 7am PT
This support group for Men living with Parkinson’s, at any stage of their journey, comes together for camaraderie and support.
- 1st Thursday, 7-8pm PT
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Yopn Monthly Member Community Gathering
On the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-8p , Young Onset Parkinson’s Network members come together to learn, engage, and support one another. Connect with fellow members, share experiences and insights about living with YOPD, discuss personal challenges as well as potential opportunities, and learn how others thrive beyond diagnosis. This is your safe space – a place you can be real with others who understand what you’re experiencing.
Must be a YOPN member to participate. Becoming a member is free and fast on the YOPN website for people diagnosed with YOPD and their care partners.
Support Group Dedicated To Parkinson’s Disease
Many support groups dedicated to Parkinsons disease meet regularly throughout Quebec. These groups, intended for people living with the disease as well as their loved ones, allow for the exchange of information and ideas concerning the most common problems encountered.
Support groups are also meeting places that help you realize that you are not alone in living with your condition. You will certainly find a support group that suits you in your community.
The age and stage of illness of the members are often factors that define the identity of the group. Try to join a group that suits you. If you cant find a group that suits you, contact us . We can help you start your own Parkinsons support group.
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What To Expect From A Support Group
Some in-person groups are small, others are large. Some groups meet during the day, while others gather in the evening or even on the weekend. Some in-person groups meet in a community-based setting, like a YMCA, a library, or a church basement, while others may hold meetings in a hospital conference room, a clinic, or a rehabilitation center.
Meanwhile, online support groups also vary in size and in demographics. Some groups have been around a long time, with members who have formed friendships over the years, while others may be relatively new groups with people who are still getting to know each other.
One thing all support groups have in common in this: They want to help people affected by Parkinsons disease.
Parkinson’s Virtual Men’s Support Group
With more men than women being diagnosed with Parkinsons every year and the fact that our Womens Group has been very popular, we figured we would use this opportunity to create a Mens “Only” group to address challenges, provide camaraderie and support!
- 3rd Tuesday, 11am PT
This group is designed for women living with Parkinsons to have a safe space to share and learn from each other. Any and all women on their Parkinsons journey are welcomed and encouraged to join in!
- 4th Tuesday, 11am PT
A series of fun, informative, and free webinars just for Women with PD. To maintain privacy for this group, care-partners and family members should not attend unless an event states that registration is open to all. All times are Pacific.
- Every other Sunday, 10am PT
A support group for women diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Join this professionally facilitated monthly meeting for support and feel free to share, or just listen.
Once you register you will receive a reminder each month for the meeting.
- 1st Tuesday, 7-8:30pm PT, with Juanita Thompson, LCSW
- 3rd Tuesday, 7-8:30pm PT, with Angela Neff
Click bit.ly/PCLAwomenPD to join the meeting. If there’s problem, call 310-880-3143 or email .
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Adult Children Of People With Parkinson’s Discussion Group
This program is for Adult children of People with Parkinson’s. At this program participants will provide and receive guidance and advice, in a safe, supportive environment while sharing ideas and discussing the challenges associated with being an adult child of a person with Parkinsons Disease.
- 2nd Thursday, 5pm PT
A virtual support group for adult children of a parent or relative with Parkinsons disease. Join and share as much as you like, or just observe and ask questions.
- Every Tuesday, 7:30pm PT
Monthly online support group is geared for individuals caring for someone with early to mid-stage Parkinson’s disease, whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend.
- 3rd Wednesday, 9am-10:30am PT
Use the above link to register. Following registration you will be provided with the link to log in to the group. Email questions to .
Here Are Some Additional Resources That Can Help You In Your Care Partnering Role:
- Join APDAs new online community support forum with Smart Patients.
- Visit the Ask the Doctor section of our website. Our staff of healthcare professionals specializes in all aspects of Parkinsons disease and will provide resources to address your questions and concerns.
- Download our publication called Becoming a Care Partner to learn about ways you can handle some of the challenges of being a care partner.
- When a parent has Parkinsons disease, the couple may wonder how to talk to their children about the diagnosis. My Mommy Has PD.But Its Okay is a guide for young children about Parkinsons disease.
- For information on brain donations please visit The Brain Support Network.
- Improving the quality of life for your loved one by connecting them to a palliative care team that offers pain management and in-home services within the community. For more information please visit Get Palliative Care.
If you need help and you do not see what you are looking for on our website, please call , 7 days a week, for referrals and information.
APDA is here to support you.
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Support And Support Groups
Most people told us that when they were diagnosed they had little or no experience of Parkinsons disease and did not actually know anyone who had it. Although most people had been informed about the Parkinsons UK and many had contacted the society and obtained useful information, some of them held back from taking things further by joining a Parkinsons disease support group. Most explained their reluctance like Jean did: I dont want to see round the next corner what might be happening to me, Id rather I didnt know.
For Every Moment Of Your Journey
Theres no doubt Parkinsons disease is a journey. And your path is unlike anyone elses. But you can find comfort and learn how to live a full life by gaining information and witnessing the experiences of others. Learn from others. Share your experiences. Realize youre not alone. Joining a support group will give you a sense of collaboration and comfort that can help make life a little easier. Please click on your city to find a support group near you.
COVID- 19 Update: Many support groups have been cancelled to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe. Contact your local group facilitator to learn more about cancellations in your area.
Learn about online support group resources here.
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Fiona And Her Husband Had Not Wanted To Join A Group But He Met Someone On A Charity Stall And
We knew there was a support group locally. But at the time my husband didnt really feel, and I was the same really we sort of didnt really feel we needed that at that time. And but having said that recently we went to a town recently where theyd got a Rotary Club event and there were lots of stalls and one of the stalls was the local Parkinsons Disease, it was like a support group and they were doing a fundraiser. And Id spoken to the, I think shes the secretary for the area on the phone and she said, Oh, you know, come along and say hello to us.
And I mentioned it to my husband, so we went along. And my husband was introduced to this gentleman whos in the group and hes had Parkinsons for quite some time, and he said over the last few years, he said he had to give up work because of his symptoms but he was referred to a consultant who worked with him, sorted out some medication and hes doing so well and just that half an hours conversation that my husband had with that chap did more than anything that hes had probably in the last four years because he was just able to talk on a one-to-one basis with this chap. I sort of was looking round the stall and chatting to the ladies on the stall and he said afterwards how helpful that had been just to be able to talk to somebody, and he said sometimes it does take time to sort out the medication. That was really, really helpful, and it gave my husband encouragement to know there is help.