Here are a couple of starting points:
The Parkinson’s Association
Mentor Program
Watch this short video about the Mentor Program.
Here in San Diego we have about 25 mentors who are here to help you. About half the people who contact a mentor and use this servcie are care partners and about half the mentors are care partners.
This is a free, confidential service. The mentors have walked in your shoes, have completed our Mentor Education Program and, most importantly, they are here for you. They will listen to you, tell you about their journey with Parkinson’s, answer questions about living with Parkinson’s, and give you an objective, compassionate person to speak with.
Click below to search for a mentor in San Diego. You can read their bios and choose the person who most resonates with you. Send them a note through the website and they will get back to you within a day or two.
The Good Start Program
The key to living well with Parkinson’s is education and the The Good Start Program is a great place to start. This is a free, in-person, half day seminar that we run three or four times each year at different venues in San Diego County.
Designed for newly diagnosed people with Parkinson’s and their families and care partners, the topics include maintaining a positive attitude; understanding Parkinson’s; choosing a physician; common medications, care givers/care partners; importance of exercise and nutrition; benefits of physical; occupational, speech and music therapy; research, Support Groups, Mentor Program, and an overview of other additional resources.
Watch our website and join our mailing list to be informed about our next date and location.
Click the button below to listen to all the presentations, along with the slide presentations, from our most recent Good Start Program.
Exercise is Medicine
Sherrie Gould, NP, CMRD on why exercise is one of the most important therapies for Parkinson’s.
It is incredibly difficult to care for someone else if you are struggling with health and fitness issues so, as a care partner, staying strong, fit, and healthy is critical to you and your family living well with Parkinson’s.
Currently, the only therapy we know of that can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease is exercise. It is so important that your person with Parkinson’s moves their body every day. This should include aerobic exercise, anerobic exercise, weight and resistance training, and balance and foundational exercises.
We have complied a page of exercise opportunities in San Diego specifically for people with Parkinson’s (and their care partners, because care partners need to take care of their health and fitness also). Click below for the page. Stay stong, and stay durable!
Support Groups
Click below to find a local support group. Some groups meet in person and some meet virtually.
