Find resources and help in your community

12/23/2009

Finding Resources in Your Community

There are many local and national organizations throughout the country that offer a variety of resources to people with Parkinson’s disease. However, many people don’t often know about these resources or how to access them.

Whether you are looking for a support group, educational classes, exercise programs, clinical trials or information about Parkinson’s disease most local community centers, hospitals, Parkinson’s disease organizations or libraries are a good place to start.

Resources in your community: Often these resources are right in your neighborhood!

Community Centers offer exercises programs and supports groups at a low or free cost. Exercise programs often offered are yoga, Tai Chi, dance, aerobics and aquatic exercise. Programs are taught by certified instructors. Check with your city municipality to see if there are community centers in your area.

Religious Centers and communities: Spirituality is an important part of healing and wellness. Check your local church, synagogue or temple to find out about programs to help you with spiritual growth.

Hospitals often offer educational, wellness and prevention programs, exercise programs, support groups, social services and participate in clinical trials. Visit your hospitals website and search for upcoming class and programs.

Libraries can provide up to date medical journal articles as well as wellness information. Visit your local Library and ask the librarian to assist in searching for requested information.

Parkinson’s disease organizations act as a resource to patients, families and caregivers. They often partner with local hospitals to offer programs and services.

Support Groups: Support groups serve to educate and support community members with Parkinson’s. The APDA and NPF (websites listed below) can help you find a support group in your area.

Book stores often offer bookclubs, poetry readings and informational lectures.

Community colleges and universities: Look for adult education classes. Many colleges offer tuition free courses to seniors.

Resources on the web:

Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/neurosciences/parkinson

Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, www.nwpf.org

National Parkinson Foundation, www.parkinson.org

Parkinson's Disease Foundation, www.pdf.org

American Parkinson Disease Association,www.apdaparkinson.com

Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org

Parkinson's Action Network, www.parkinsonsaction.org

Help for Caregivers:

Living with Parkinson's disease, www.parkinsonsliving.com

National Family Caregivers Alliance, www.nfcacares.org

Other Helpful Sites:
AARP offers guidance and resources for living well in your community, www.AARP.org

Parkinson's Research, www.pdtrials.org
Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, www.camradvocacy.org

National Institutes of Health - Clinical Trials, www.clinicaltrials.gov

Medline plus Health Information (Clinical trials, nutrition, research, and treatment)
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/parkinsonsdisease.html

No matter what type of resource or resources you are looking for there are many different options out there. If you need help accessing recourses, ask your physician and their team to help you start navigating the system!

Visit the Resource section for new postings, updates and information.

Author: Shelly Henderson, CHES, Lead-Health Education Coordinator and Community Health Education, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, Kirkland, WA

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