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Parkinson's Support Group Network
PDASD Parkinson's Support Groups offer a social setting where you, family members, and care givers can find understanding and support from others living with Parkinson's. If you are care giver of a spouse or family member with PD, you may feel at the mercy of the disease or that you are losing control. However, you can gain control of the disease and your life by becoming actively involved in a Parkinson's Support Group. Your participation not only helps you maintain the highest quality of life and independence possible but also contributes to the well-being of others struggling with the daily challenges of Parkinson's. "Our group has amazing people. The most special thing I get from my support group is a feeling of encouragement. When I first went to this support group, I saw people that had a handicap. Now I find strength in these people. Not only are these people who LIVE with the daily challenges of Parkinson’s, they're people who live life FULLY." - Don H. - For over 23 years, the Parkinson Disease Association of San Diego has been providing assistance to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s. Support Groups have been a critical component in achieving the PDASD mission of improving quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's. The dictionary defines support as to, "prop up," "sustain," "buoy up," "reinforce," or "to be there for." Just as Parkinson’s disease never seems to be quite the same in any two individuals, support groups are also very unique, taking on the complexion of the individuals served. Support groups operate in several different ways. Some groups focus on emotional support and conversations, while others focus more on education. Some groups also focus on the caregivers who may come to the meeting with a family member who has Parkinson’s. For example, one group was able to provide significant support to a wife/caregiver battling severe depression resulting from her husband's declining physical abilities, who really felt that she had benefited from the support of the other caregivers in her group. Some groups also provide refreshments and social outings, or bring in Parkinson's experts to address their group. Most group leaders are interested in Parkinson’s, have a family member with PD, or have the disease themselves. There is no right or wrong configuration, only what the group chooses to do to best meet the needs of those they serve. What a Parkinson's Support Group Has to Offer You Educational Programs with Community Resource Speaker on Relevant Topics and Discussions
NOTE: Support Groups meet in the locations listed below, however information does change, so please contact the Support Group Leader to confirm meeting locations, dates and times. If you do not reside in the San Diego County, click on APDA Chapters to locate a Parkinson's Support Group in your area. Click Here to See a List of PDASD Parkinson's Support
What Support Groups Have to Offer Caregivers Parkinson's Support Group Leaders share a passion for helping and supporting others affected by the disease. Some have been living with the disease for many years, have a spouse or family member with PD, or currently provide ongoing care for someone with Parkinson's. There is no one way or right way to structure or lead a Parkinson's Support Group, but rather only what the individual participants choose and what best meets the needs of the group. Just as Parkinson’s never looks the same in any two individuals, you'll never find any two Support Groups that look the same. Some groups may focus on providing emotional support for patients as well as their caregivers, while others may place a stronger emphasis on education or caregiving techniques. For example, one group was able to provide very effective emotional support to a caregiver battling depression as a reaction to her husband's decline of motor function and physical abilities. Taking Care of Yourself When caring for someone with Parkinson's it is vitally important that you maintain your own emotional and physical health so you can be at your very best. Talking with others in your Support Group who share your feelings and experience can be a tremendous aid in helping you cope emotionally as well as physically. Click on Caregiver Resources to find the help you need. How to Start a Surrport Group When you start a Parkinson's Support Group for patients, families and caregivers, the Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego will provided: 1) A "Startup Kit" including step-by-step instructions and guidance on launching and maintaining a vibrantly effective Parkinson's Support Group. 2) Access to our William S. Cowling, III Information & Referral Center & Resource Library. You and your members can check out the latest authored books, pamphlets, "white papers", and DVD's at no charge to you. 3) Access to the www.PDASD.org website where you and your members will have 24/7 access to the latest research findings, medical and complimentary treatments, caregiver resources, and exercise programs within San Diego County as well as reliable information on just about every aspect of Parkinson's you can think of, from financial and "life issues" planning, to free family workshops and much more. You can register for free e-newsletters, and by using our "Ask The PD Specialist" feature, can connect with a live person to assist in helping you find the resources you need and the answers to questions that you are looking for. 4) The opportunity to participate in all PDASD educational, fund raising and vounteers activities to support family and patient programs as well as ongoing medical research seeking a cure for Parkinson's. Must Read for Support Group Leaders Share Your Parkinson's Journey PatientsLikeMe.com is an online community where you can share your Parkinson's journey and treatment outcomes not just to help yourself, but to also help others living with the daily challenges of Parkinson's. Imagine knowing every current medication, supplement, or device used to treat Parkinson's, what treatments work for people like your self, and have the ability to easily connect with those people. Traveling Abroad and Need a Support Group? For information on support groups in other countries, please visit the World Parkinson's Disease Association website or the European Parkinson Disease Association website. Please Consider Partnering With PDASD to Improve Quality of Life Your investment helps support programs and services that improve the quality of life for families affected by Parkinson's, and provides funding for medical research seeking more effective treatments and a cure.
See how your gift gives hope and strength to families facing the daily challenges of Parkinson's. Click on the Many Faces of Parkinson's to see how our programs and services maximize self-sufficiency for Parkinson's patients and provide support for their families. The Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego Exists to Improve |
