The Roanoke Parkinson’s Support Group offers education and support for both Patients and Caregivers. Our members are PD patients of all ages and stages, spouses, caregivers and friends. We typically have 30 to 50 people attending our monthly meetings. The meetings are free and everyone is welcome.
At most of our meetings we have speakers with an expertise on various aspects of Parkinson’s disease including treatment options and various issues that affect both the patient and the caregiver. Sometimes we divide into patient and caregiver groups so that each group can share concerns and talk about solutions that are unique to them. Social exchange is encouraged through an annual picnic, a holiday party, and a refreshment period at the end of each meeting.
What We Are About
The focus of our group is offering information about Parkinson’s Disease, treatment options, and related issues. The group provides an easy way to connect with others who are experiencing what you are going through. You will value the interesting interchange between fellow members, and you will be able to ask questions about how others deal with PD (and probably offer tips from your own experiences). Connecting with others is an effective way to learn to cope with the day-to-day realities of this disease. Just knowing that you are not alone and being able to talk with others who are “walking the walk” is therapeutic in itself.
Caregivers of our group have their own support group which meets separately once a month and deals with all aspects of caregiving. Led by a professional facilitator, these meetings have been very helpful in dealing with the unique issues of caregiving for Parkinson’s patients.
By attending the support group meetings you learn as visiting speakers discuss a variety of topics of interest to both patients and caregivers. Some of the recent topics have included:
- Cognitive and emotional issues presented by a neuropsychologist
- Non-motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease presented by a movement disorder specialist
- Future treatment possibilities for PD presented by a movement disorder specialist
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy
- Legal and long term care considerations
- Local exercise facilities and programs
- The role of an occupational therapist in PD
- Exercise options to delay the disease including LVST BIG and Tai Chi
- Participation in clinical trials
- Overview of Parkinson’s disease by a local neurologist
- PD 101 presentation containing basic information on Parkinson’s disease and treatment options
- Speech therapy presentation including LSVT LOUD and exercises to improve swallowing and drooling problems
- Status of neuroprotective therapies for PD presented by a movement disorder specialist
- Parkinson’s medications presented by a pharmacy professor
- Depression and anxiety associated with PD presented by a neuropsychologist
- Living well with PD including nutrition and other wellness considerations
Our goal is to provide assistance to as many people as possible in the greater Roanoke area who are affected by Parkinson’s disease and to encourage the development of more resources to help both patients and caregivers. We look forward to having a change to share information and concerns with you. Please join us for a meeting and see what we are about.