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 35 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 Parkinson’s, its symptoms and treatment options, or how to live well with the disease. Periodically we divide into small 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 living as well as possible with PD. 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. These meetings have been very helpful in dealing with the unique issues of caregiving for Parkinson’s patients.
Our programs rely on speakers from throughout Virginia who are experts in dealing with Parkinson’s disease or can offer knowledgeable suggestions for living as well as possible with a chronic condition like PD. The topics of the programs cover detail information on the Parkinson’s disease, the wide variety of symptoms that can occur, established and new treatment options, and many ways to assist those living with the disease to deal with its effects. This includes speakers and topics such as:
- Movement disorder neurologists talking about all aspects of Parkinson’s and responding to questions from members of the support group
- Neuropsychologists describing symptoms such as cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, apathy, and hallucinations and suggesting ways of dealing with these issues
- A pharmacy professor discussing medications and their side effects in detail
- Neurosurgeons and assistants talking about possible surgical treatments
- Physical therapists and other providers describing the benefits of exercise and all the various forms that can benefit someone with PD
- Parkinson’s nurses speaking on a variety of symptoms and offering practical advice for improving the situation
- Speech and occupational therapists offering advice on dealing with some of the effects of Parkinson’s
- Elder law expert discussing legal and financial aspects that should be considered
- Healthy aging expert talking about a variety of things affecting both the physical and emotional well being of those dealing with PD
- People with Parkinson’s speaking about their experiences in living with the disease
- Artists and therapists describing ways to deal with the disease using music, art, and other outlets
- Nutritionists describing dietary considerations when living with Parkinson’s
- Medical and drug providers describing their product, its proper use, and possible benefits.
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 chance to share information and concerns with you. Please join us for a meeting and see what we are about.