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Wednesday, April 24, 2024
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Parkinson’s Support Group Massachusetts

Arts And Movement Programs On The Cape

The “LARGE” 10 Parkinson’s Program (STANDING VERSION) Better than Big

Cape Cod is home to many programs specifically designed for the person with Parkinsons and his or her family members. Being active improves and maintains strength, flexibility, mobility, and coordination. Several different modalities are currently offered throughout the country and researchers are actively studying the effects of structured exercise programs on functionality and quality of life indicators. As a service to the community and with permission of the sponsoring individual or agency, the PSN/ APDA Branch provides an updated list arts and movement programs. Click on the links below for more information on each program. Specific information on whether you or a loved one can safely participate should be obtained by your health care provider in collaboration with the sponsoring agency.

2022 Update: As a precaution regarding the coronavirus , some scheduled programs are still postponed. Please be sure to reach out to the program contact if you are unsure about whether or not a meeting will happen.

Healthy Mindset Parkinsons Program

The Healthy Mindset Parkinsons Disease Program is designed to facilitate greater understanding, support overall adjustment and enhance quality of life for persons with PD and their partners. The program seeks to educate participants about the common psychosocial aspects of PD an d to promote healthy mindset strategies that enhance well-being, even in the face of illness.

Healthy mindset, offered in collaboration with the Parkinsons Center for Comprehensive Care at Spaulding Cape Cod, is a unique program for patients and their partners.

Location: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod, 311 Service Road, East Sandwich, MA 02537Contact: For registration, schedule, and more call 508-833-4141

Empowering Our Parkinson’s Community

We are dedicated to supporting both adults living with Parkinson’s Disease and their families.

That’s why we offer a range of exercise classes, support groups, and educational events to help those with Parkinson’s slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives. With the guidance of the medical community, local organizations, and experienced instructors, we strive to help our Parkinson’s community lead their best, fullest lives in the spirit of overall health and wellness. We are also proud to partner with the Movement Disorder Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to provide a caring and nurturing space where families can come together and learn from one another.

Whether you’re looking for a chance to share your experience with others, or simply a compassionate place to find comfort, you’ll find strength and resilience in our Parkinson’s Wellness programs.

Join us and take control of your Parkinson’s journey. These programs are open to all individuals affected by Parkinson’s, regardless of religious background. Let’s empower our Parkinson’s community, together.

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Support Group Leader Guide

This guide takes you through the process of starting, facilitating and maintaining a Parkinsons support group. Sample meeting guides are included for people with Parkinsons as well as care partner-only groups. View Appendix A for a full list of resources.

We offer this guide to help first-time support leaders navigate logistics of starting a new group. This guide can also serve as a reference for veteran group leaders looking to improve or adjust how they work with an existing group.

Resources For Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson

In addition to emphasizing counseling and education at each outpatient visit, the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center provides a wealth of education, support and resources to our patients, their families and caregivers, as well as the community.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to stay up to date on our programs, and check out our upcoming events.

Come hear from experts on a variety of topics relating to the symptoms, treatments or breakthroughs associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Attending a speaker series event is free however, space is limited.

The 24th Annual Parkinson’s Disease Patient and Carepartner Symposium will be live-streamed and virtual. The theme for the 2022 Symposium is Familiar Problems, Fresh Approaches: Further Thoughts and Strategies for Managing Parkinson’s. To register and learn more about the event, please select the Event Details button below. Recordings from the 2021 Symposium, as well as prior years, are available on YouTube at the link below.

Some research suggests that many patients with movement disorders benefit greatly from practicing what is so difficult for them movement. Over the past five years, we have developed specialized classes with instructors trained in the needs of PD to bring high-level exercise programs to both patients and their partners.

  • Women’s Coffee and Conversation

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Support Groups Parkinson’s Disease

  • Circle Center Adult Day Services 4900 West Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23230
  • American Parkinson Disease Association, Virginia PO Box 4162, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
  • American Parkinson Disease Association, Virginia P O 801018, Charlottesville, VA 22908
  • Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area 7700 Leesburg Pike, Suite 208, Falls Church, VA 22043
  • Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road, #490, Olney, MD 20830 Main:

About VirginiaNavigator

A 501c3 non-profit, our mission is to provide helpful, free resource information associated with aging, disabilities, post-military life, and overall well-being.

A Unique Resource For Parkinsons Patients

Located within the Reliant Medical Group Neurology Suite at the Worcester Medical Center, the Parkinsons Disease Center of Central Massachusetts provides easily accessible care for those suffering from Parkinsons disease and related disorders. Patients are treated by a team of caregivers, with expertise in both medical and non-medical management.

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Topics You Might Discuss

A support group may discuss a variety of topics centered around living with Parkinsons disease, including accepting your diagnosis and finding ways to live your best life, as well as issues that may be important to caregivers. That might include:

  • challenges you have encountered and how to handle them
  • adaptations youve had to make in your daily life, such as with housework or grooming
  • how you deal with feelings of loneliness or grief
  • your experiences with depression and anxiety
  • issues related to sexuality and relationships with spouses or partners
  • relationships with adult children or other relatives
  • side effects from medications how they have affected you
  • new research into treatments

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How To Open Up In A Group Setting

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms, Treatment, Nursing Care, Pathophysiology NCLEX Review

If youre new to talking in a support group, you may feel a little uncertain. Thats totally normal, as any experienced support group member can tell you.

First, contact the facilitator and ask about the group. Try to learn as much as you can about the group culture and what will be expected of you. Some groups will assign you an informal buddy to help get you acclimated to the group, so you might ask the moderator about that possibility.

Then when you get to your first meeting, consider these strategies to help you get integrated and begin sharing:

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Parkinsons Support Groups In Vermont

The Young Onset Parkinsons Virtual Support Group1st Thursday of each monthIf interested in joining the group and to register, please contact:Vicky Chan at

Burlington, 3rd Wednesday, 12:00-1:30This group will meet via Zoom for the foreseeable future. Please contact the facilitator for further details.Fletcher Free Library, 235 College Street, BurlingtonContact: Jennifer Pader, LMSW, 658-6309,

Brattleboro, 2nd Saturday, 10:00-11:30This group is currently meeting in person for socially-distanced, outdoor meetings. Please contact the facilitator for further details.Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Main Board RoomContact: Diane Nichols, 756-3089,

Morrisville, Last Tuesday, 2:00-3:30This group is currently meeting in person. Please contact the facilitator for further details.Community Health Services of Lamoille Valley Building 606 Washington Hwy, MorrisvilleContact: Larry Heath, 802-760-0298 or

Rutland The Fighters, 1st Monday, 4:00-5:00This group will meet via Zoom for the foreseeable future. Please contact the facilitator for further details.Godnick CenterContact: Lee Accavallo, 353-8838,

St. Albans, Monthly Tuesdays, 10:00 11:30This group will meet in-person. Please contact the facilitator for further details.Pillsbury Homestead

Research & Clinical Trials

Our team of physicians is actively involved in research to better understand the causes of Parkinsons disease and to identify new treatments. Since 2013, MGH has been the home to the Parkinson Study Group, the largest not-for-profit network of Parkinsons centers in North America. As a patient, you may have the opportunity to participate in:

  • Clinical trials for new investigational drugs
  • Research studies to find new and better ways to diagnose and monitor Parkinsons disease
  • Studies that improve delivery and quality of care for Parkinsons patients

If you are interested in volunteering for research, please ask to speak with a research coordinator or browse our list of movement disorders clinical trials.

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Parkinsons Support Group & Fitness Classes

As a part of The Watermarks mission to increase the health of both the mind and body of seniors, we host a monthly Parkinsons Support Group and a bi-weekly Parkinsons Fitness Class. The goal of these sessions is to connect those with Parkinsons and their families to information, resources and activities that can help treat and relieve some of the stress of living with and caring for this condition.

The Parkinsons Support Group is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. To give you an example of the kinds of guest speakers we offer, Octobers meeting featured a discussion from Dr. Marisa Moro de Casillas, a Norwich-based movement disorder specialist and Christopher Bailey, a representative for US WorldMeds, who talked about a new injection treatment designed to help people with Parkinsons improve movement and speech.

As with all of our support groups, participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, and to ask questions.

Dr. Casillas and Mr. Bailey provided a unique perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinsons disease to this months support group, said Marlane Argianas, Resident Services Coordinator at The Watermark at 3030 Park. It makes me so happy to watch our residents and guests leave each months meeting with new information and valuable resources gained during the discussion. We know it gives them a renewed sense of support and hope.

If youd like to attend either of these programs give us a call at 1-203-502-7593 to RSVP.

What To Expect From A Support Group

Sing To Beat Parkinsons Fundraiser  Voice Study Centre

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.

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Updates For The Pd Community

As a precaution and in light of recent recommendations regarding the coronavirus , a number of scheduled events and meetings have been cancelled or postponed. Please be sure to reach out to the program contact if you are unsure about whether or not a meeting has been cancelled.

For more information on COVID-19 and the PD Community, click here. You can also feel free to reach out to the APDA Information and Referral Center at 800-651-8466 with any questions.

Coxhealth Parkinsons Support Group For Seniorsspringfield Area

This group is available for caregivers and those who have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease that are age 65+. Masks are required.

Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital

3535 S. National Ave

Meetings held the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2:30 PM.

Please call if youre interested in attending or have questions.

Provides faith-based support for Parkinsons disease.

Kings Way United Methodist Church

2401 S. Lone Pine Ave.

Springfield, MO 65804

  • Physical therapy to build and maintain strength and mobility
  • Guidance on diet and exercise
  • Referral to clinical trials
  • Care coordination with home health agencies
  • Referral to community support groups and organizations
  • Care coordination with mental health providers
  • Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Botulinum toxin therapy for dystonia and severe drooling
  • We look forward to working with you and showing you why so many Parkinsons disease patients turn to us for care that meets the highest standards.

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    Finding The Right Group

    If youre feeling frustrated about life with Parkinsons disease, being part of a support group can be one of the best ways to reduce stress and connect with others who can relate to your experience. Care partners and family members also benefit from sharing questions and concerns with like-minded others.

    Many resources are available to help you find a support group, including your neurologist or physician , local hospitals , community calendars in local newspapers, and websites of national Parkinsons disease organizations.

    Not all support groups are right for everyone, however. For starters, they come in different formats, ranging from large, formal meetings to smaller living-room get-togethers. If you dont like the first group you find, its worth looking for one that suits you better. If you cant find a group you like in your area, consider starting one. If you are unsatisfied with the available options, youre probably not the only one feeling that way.

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    Parkinson Support Network Of Cape Cod

    Parkinson’s Medications – Part 3: Medication Management
    • Address72 East Concord StreetC3
    • HoursPlease call or visit website for hours of operation.
    • Area Served:Barnstable County
    • Specific Populations Served:individuals and families living with Parkinson?s Disease
    • Fees:Please contact provider for fee information.
    • Application Process:Call or visit website for additional information.
    • Eligibility Requirements:available to all
    • Payment/Insurance Accepted:Please contact provider for accepted forms of payment.
    • ADA Access:Please contact facility for accessibility information.

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    Parkinsons In Motion Team Of Qualified Professionals

    In addition to our speaker series, which is helmed by nationally recognized experts and presenters, our weekly and monthly virtual programs are led by a team of renowned professionals from the Boston area, experienced in working with older adults and those living with Parkinsons.

    Our instructors are from esteemed academic institutions and leading organizations, and have experience in art, music, dance, healthcare, and social work. Their diverse backgrounds and talents help us create meaningful programming for a variety of interests and abilities.

    Parkinsons Wellness Programs And Care Partner Support Group

    JCC Greater Boston, in partnership with the Movement Disorder Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is committed to serving all adults affected by Parkinsons Disease and their families. We offer a variety of exercise classes, support group with a Licensed Social Worker and educational events to support people with Parkinsons in slowing disease progression and minimizing symptoms, while providing a nurturing environment for families to share information and provide emotional support.

    In collaboration with the medical community, local organizations and experienced instructor staff, we strive to help our Parkinsons Community live their best, fullest life in the spirit of overall wellness and health.

    This program is open to anyone affected by Parkinsons. You do not have to be Jewish to participate.

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    A Multidisciplinary Approach To Care

    Parkinsons disease is a condition that can affect different aspects of your life, including mobility, mood, and sleep. We work with a highly trained and dedicated team of specialists that are all focused on helping you live better with Parkinsons disease.

    • A Nurse can help your physician provide you the best care and address concerns about medications and other Parkinsons-related symptoms.
    • A Physical Therapist can evaluate and treat you to optimize your mobility, physical activity, and safety.
    • An Occupational Therapist can help you stay active and independent in your daily activities.
    • A Speech Therapist can evaluate you and provide recommendations and treatment if Parkinsons is affecting your speech or swallowing.
    • A Social Worker can answer your questions and provide counseling about life transitions, options if you need help with your care, and financial and work-related issues.
    • A Spiritual Care Provider can offer support and facilitate positive spiritual coping if you are struggling with your illness.

    You have changed my life. I started using the MGH PD Exercise videos on New Year’s Day and have exercised every day since then even when I got my first COVID vaccine jab and had a very sore arm. Now, I actually look forward to my exercise sessions with you… I am stronger, more flexible, have better stamina and am healthier both physically and emotionally because of your work.

    • Medication-induced movement disorders

    Parkinsons Support Groupbranson West Area

    APDA I &  R Staff Organize Support Group Facilitator Conference ...

    Hosted by the Stone County Health Department, these meetings offer PD support paired with monthly educational learning opportunities from professional guest speakers in the area.

    11016 State Hwy 76, Ste 11Branson West, MO 65737

    Meetings held 1st Thursday of the month at 12 PM.

    Caregiver meetings held quarterly the 3rd Thursday of the month at 12 PM.

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    Community Wellness Programs Speech Therapy & Physical Therapy

    Community Wellness Physical Therapy Programs for individuals with Parkinsons disease are now offered in several Cape communities.

    The Wellness Program is designed to help individuals with Parkinsons disease living in the community learn to manage their health more effectively in order to improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life. Under the guidance of licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists, participants will learn exercises and a problem solving approaches to managing daily mobility, self-care, and communication issues which often interfere with function and quality of life.

    These programs have been developed from a model established at Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Healthcare professionals from interested agencies collaborate and receive intensive training by staff from Boston Universitys Sargent College and the BU Department of Neurology. These initiatives are supported in part by the American Parkinson Disease Association.

    LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® are intensive therapy programs administered to an individual with Parkinsons by a rehabilitation specialist . To learn more about these programs, visit .

    Wellness Programs, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy

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