Starting A Support Group
Some tips to help you start your own support group:
Choose the group’s target audience.Is it just for people with Parkinson’s, or are care partners and family members invited as well? If you live in a larger city, you can consider gearing the meeting toward a more specific group, such as people with young-onset Parkinson’s disease.Churches, community centers, libraries and other spaces with meeting rooms are great choices. Because members may want to share personal stories, more public spaces like coffee shops and restaurants may not be ideal. You can also decide if your group should meet monthly, twice a month or even weekly.
Figure out a format for the meetings. Will there be one “leader” who facilitates discussions or will members take turns hosting the meeting? From time to time, try to schedule guest speakers such as area neurologists and allied care professionals, like physical therapists and nutritionists. If there are exercise groups for people with Parkinson’s in your area, invite them to give a demonstration and share their services. Of course, leave plenty of time for simply chatting about life with Parkinson’s disease, too.
Spread the word. Ask your doctor if you can share flyers in the office, and let your local hospitals know about the group, too. Bring flyers to libraries, coffee shops and other community spaces. If you’re tech-savvy, start a Facebook group or page, or make a basic website. These are also good ways to keep in touch with members.
Orange County Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups
Most Orange County support groups are transitioning back to in person meetings following the Covid 19 Pandemic. Be sure to check with a group to find out their latest details before attending.
Whether you are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s or have been living with PD for years, it helps to talk to others who are going through the same thing. Not every group is right for every person. They may serve certain populations also so we urge you to visit more than one group if you aren’t feeling a comfortable match. Most of Orange County’s Parkinson’s Disease support groups are not currently meeting in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are several groups that are meeting virtually. Please see our events page for current virtual meetings.
Before visiting any of the support groups below, it is advised that you verify the time and location with the contact. To find groups outside the Orange County area, check the Resource page on the Parkinson Movement Disorder Alliance site.
Dailystrength Parkinsons Disease Support Group
Key Specs
- Details: Easy-to-use interface, small and intimate support group, and provides access to doctors
- Things to consider: It’s not a very active group
The DailyStrength Parkinsons Disease Support Group is a free and welcoming online support community with more than 400 members and 3,000 posts.
The mission of the group is centered around empowering and inspiring each other to overcome PD-related and life challenges.
Overall, the DailyStrength website is easy to navigate, and registration is straightforward and quick. Posts are informational, practical, and thoughtful. This is, perhaps, a good place to start for people looking for a smaller, more intimate online support group that is not overwhelming or associated with a national organization.
Even though the site is not moderated, to keep the support group safe and positive, DailyStrength has a set of guidelines that the members are asked to follow.
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Mobility Equipment Gifting Program
PCLA recognizes the need members of our community may have for gently used mobility-assistive devices, and that these needs may arise suddenly. We are able to maintain an inventory of walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and other devices to gift as needed.
Equipment donations: We are currently accepting donations of walkers, wheelchairs, canes/quad canes, crutches, and knee scooters. We will provide a receipt for your donation.
To inquire about our current inventory or to ask about donating equipment, contact us:
Minds And Motion Health Services
The Parkinson’s Association provides trained mental health specialists to help families deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, marital problems, loss and thoughts of suicide. Depression and anxiety are among the common mental health complaints of both people with Parkinson’s and their families. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients learn to live better by teaching techniques that can help patients live better.
Minds and Motion counseling and mental health services include:
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Finding The Right Group
If you’re feeling frustrated about life with Parkinson’s disease, being part of a support group can be one of the best ways to reduce stress and connect with others who can relate to your experience. Care partners and family members also benefit from sharing questions and concerns with like-minded others.
Many resources are available to help you find a support group, including your neurologist or physician , local hospitals , community calendars in local newspapers, and websites of national Parkinson’s disease organizations.
Not all support groups are right for everyone, however. For starters, they come in different formats, ranging from large, formal meetings to smaller “living-room” get-togethers. If you don’t like the first group you find, it’s worth looking for one that suits you better. If you can’t find a group you like in your area, consider starting one. If you are unsatisfied with the available options, you’re probably not the only one feeling that way.
Keep Up With The Latest Research Presented By Medical Experts At Pclas Recent Events
Blog, Education, Exercise, Living with Parkinson’s Disease, Resources, Spanish language, Support Groups, Video
PCLA ha creado esta página de internet para ayudar a las familias que viven con Parkinson a encontrar los recursos y la información que necesitan. ComunÃquese con nosotros si hay recursos que debamos agregar a esta página. Este programa cuenta con una donación…
Let’s Talk Parkinsons, Living with Parkinson’s Disease, PCLA Events, Presentations, Resources, Video
Questions about speech therapy for Parkinson’s? PCLA recently hosted an online Q& A “The Latest in Parkinson’s Research 2021,” with Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD, Director of the Movement Disorders Program at UCLA. WATCH THE PRESENTATION Miss the event? Watch the replay…
Get the latest information regarding cannabis and parkinson’s disease, presented at PCLA’s annual “Life Beyond the Basics” conference.DOWNLOAD THE DECK Tap the button below to download a PDF copy of the presentationEVENT SPONSORS Thanks to our sponsors
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Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group
The Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group of Orange County meets once every other month on the third Saturday at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center. The group has over one hundred members and is one of the largest in the country. Members either meet or stay in contact with one another over the phone for information and support. The next support group meeting in on February 18th, from 10:30 – 12:00.
Thanks For Signing Up
We are proud to have you as a part of our community. To ensure you receive the latest Parkinsons news, research updates and more, please check your email for a message from us. If you do not see our email, it may be in your spam folder. Just mark as not spam and you should receive our emails as expected.
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Brain Aneurysm Support Group
A topic is presented to the group, followed by an open forum for discussion. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for reassurance and personal exchange between survivors and caregivers. This support group aims to empower the patient and the caregiver in the care and recovery processes.
When: Monday, August 22, 2022 / 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, PSTWhere: Virtual Zoom Meeting – please RSVP to obtain Zoom meeting link.Please RSVP with Marie Rodolfa via email at
Webinars & Phone Conferences
THIS MONTHTue, 10/9, 10-11 am PT: from the VA’s PADRECC. Call 767-1750 and enter code 54321#. Thu, 10/18: MJFF ‘Third Thursday’ webinar More Symptom Control: Treating Parkinson’s “Off” EpisodesONGOINGWednesdays: NWPF’s Live Streamed Yoga. Free online class led by a certified yoga instructor who is also a PWP.Twice monthly, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: PMDAlliance Online Happy Hour live, interactive social time with PMDAlliance ambassadors **For more visit the archives of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Expert Briefings, MJFF’s Third Thursday Webinars, and NWPF’s PD Education Hour.**
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Providing Support & Education For Over A Decade We Are Here For You
A major mission of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute is to provide education, support and empowerment for those dealing with neurological challenges. Through our speakers, volunteers and educational support, we strive to help patients and their families cope with and ultimately conquer their illnesses.
Our support group is for patients, their family members, and friends.
All Meetings are on Zoom during social distancing.
Caregivers Of Brain Tumor Patients
This support group provides a safe and supportive space for caregivers of patients with brain tumors across their illness trajectory. Dinner is included.
When: Second Thursday every month, 6:30 pm 8:30 pmWhere: Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite B265RSVP & Info: Jacqueline Dillon, MSW at
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Orange County Dystonia Support Group
The PMDI dystonia support group meets at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Conference Room A. The group sends a newsletter every month to its members. It is headed by Atti Reding-DeBilde . The support group meets on the fourth Saturday every month. For more information, please contact Caroline Benton at 378 5071.
Orange County’s #1 Parkinson’s Resource
It is estimated that over 6,000 people in Orange County are living with Parkinson’s disease and we are fortunate to have many resources available for them. Below you can find information on local Parkinson’s exercise programs, support groups, local specialists and local events. Due to the Covid Pandemic, many programs are still happening virtually. You can find a list of virtual programs here.
If you know of a Parkinson’s resource in OC that we have not listed, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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What Is Parkinson’s Disease
With assistance from a generous community of donors and volunteers, we are able to provide the following benefits for our region’s Parkinson’s community:
- Connect with over 36 support groups for people with PD and their caregivers
- Present an annual education conference and tradeshow
- Provide respite opportunities for PD caregivers
- Offer housing safety modification opportunities through Rebuilding Together of Sacramento
- Present ParkinsonWISE®program for exercise and wellness professionals
- Support research for prevention and cure
- Actively promote community awareness
| PARKINSONWISE® | What is ParkinsonWISE®? The Parkinson Association of Northern California partnered with Kaiser Permanente Neuroscience to provide targeted wellness education for fitness and wellness professionals that have clients with Parkinson’s disease or those who want to work with this special group. To learn more about our ParkinsonWISE®trainings and to find ParkinsonWISE® certified trainers click the ParkinsonWise button. |
| Our newsletter, The Parkinson Path, is provided to over 3,500 recipients throughout Northern California. The quarterly publication includes pertinent information and updates on events, support groups, services, new technologies, and articles provided by local PD experts. |
| Drop a check in the mail PANC1024 Iron Point Rd #1046 Folsom CA 95630 |
Orange County Support Group
The Orange County American Parkinson’s Disease Association Support Group meets at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, 9920 Talbert Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
The next meeting is the 3rd Thursday of the month.Contact Deborah Baires – APDA Coordinator 610-2732.
The Orange County Parkinson Information and Referral Center has also booklets and publications about Parkinson’s disease available to PD patients at no charge.
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Apda In Your Community
The American Parkinson Disease Association nationwide network provides information and referral, education and support programs, health and wellness activities, and events to facilitate a better quality of life for the Parkinson’s community. It is this grassroots structure that distinguishes APDA from other organizations serving people with Parkinson’s disease.
Connect With Other Los Angeles Families Living With Parkinsons
Support groups offer an opportunity to meet others with Parkinsons disease living with the same challenges you face daily. They offer an opportunity to hear health care professionals speak on related topics or share personal experiences. Not all support groups are the same, attending a support group can be intimidating but meeting others and their families living with PD can be life affirming and comforting. Dates and times of support groups often change. Contact the leaders for more information and to verify times before you attend.
In-person support groups are currently suspended. Tap the button below to see PCLAs current calendar of virtual support groups and online events.
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Other Places To Find Support
Support groups aren’t for everyone. If they don’t appeal to you, there’s no need to force it. If you were involved in community, religious or hobby-based organizations in your life before Parkinson’s, keep up those ties and friendships. In addition, educating yourself about Parkinson’s, and getting involved with local or national Parkinson’s organizations, can be ways to meet people who share some experiences with you without joining a support group.
Find Support in the Parkinsons Buddy Network
Create connections and find community online in the Parkinsons Buddy Network. Were building an online support system, one buddy at a time.
Social Support And Educational Group
Illness Social Support and Educational Group Last Wednesday of the month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. 8501 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Going through an illness can be a stressful time for everyone involvedfor the patient, of course, but also for the caregivers and family members. Cedars-Sinai Medical Network offers a monthly topic-specific discussion, open at no cost to all Cedars-Sinai patients, caregivers and family members, as well as to others in the community.
The group offers an interactive environment for all to share their experiences and learn more about a variety of topics. The group meetings feature guest speakers and information on topics such as caregiver support, stress management, coping with chronic illnesses, mental health concerns, community resources, and many more relevant and helpful topics.
To RSVP or for more information, call .
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Long Beach Los Angeles County Support Group
The PMDI in conjunction with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association has recently formed a support group in Long Beach area and meets the second Wednesday of the month in the Human Resources Classroom of the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center at 2801 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach.
The Long Beach Parkinson Information and Referral Center has also booklets and publications about Parkinson’s disease available to PD patients at no charge .
There is no charge for attending the Support Groups. Pre-registration is not required. Refreshments are served. Each month a different topic pertaining to Parkinson’s disease or a related subject is discussed.
Any questions, please feel free to call Deborah Baires 610-2732.
Ucla Insulin Connection Meet
Join one of our support groups for people with diabetes who use insulin through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. Become informed, network and get support from your peers in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. There is no cost for this group, and no referral is needed.
Thousand OaksWhen: Thursdays, July 12 & September 13 / 6:00 pm 7:30 pmWhere: 100 Moody Court, Suite 200
WestwoodWhen: Tuesday, August 14 / 6:00 pm 7:30 pmWhere: 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 520-10
Santa MonicaWhen: 2nd Tuesday of every month / 6:00 pm 8:00 pmWhere: UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center1250 16th Street
RSVP Info: or
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Spasmodic Torticollis Support Group
The Torticollis Support Group of Orange County meets every fourth Saturday of every other month. It is sponsored by the Orange Coast Memorial Hospital and organized by the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association . Many torticollis patients meet with the group to share their experiences. Under the slogan, “You are not alone” the NSTA has served as a source of information to many torticollis sufferers.
The group was initially organized over 10 years ago. This support group has grown to become one of the largest in the country. The group has over one hundred members who either meet or stay in contact with one another over the phone for information and support.
The next Orange County meeting will be announced at a later date.
For more information you may call the NSTA at 378-7837, or their toll free number, 1-800-HURTFUL. The new NSTA office is located at 9920 Talbert Ave. Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Mission Statement
Foremost, the physicians, research scientists and staff at the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Institute all share the common goal of providing superior care to our patients in the treatment of neurological disorders affecting movement. It is our belief that people who must cope with symptoms or illness have enhanced quality of life when they understand their diagnosis and treatment plan,…
Parkinsons Movement Disorder And Alliance
Key Specs
- Membership fee: Free
- Structure:In-person support groups, virtual Zoom support groups, chat forums/message boards
- Details: Offers both in-person and virtual support groups, educational videos and resources, and support is available for care partners
- Things to do: A survey needs to be completed first before you can participate in the online community
The Parkinsons Movement Disorder and Alliance is a nonprofit organization that focuses on characteristics like empathy, creativity, resiliency, and shared learning.
It also has a wealth of support and educational services. Aside from online programming and Zoom support groups, this organization also offers various in-person support groups located throughout the country.
Additionally, the organization features numerous educational programs like “Lunch with Docs,” in which individuals can meet with a movement disorder specialist virtually over lunch from the comfort of their own home.
There are free workshops across the country called In Sync for supporting and teaching people interested in developing their skills as a support group leader.
There, people can learn skills and build confidence in designing and leading their own support group for Parkinsons disease or other movement disorders. Leadership experts and healthcare professionals also provide guidance through informational presentations.
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Apda Resources In California
The APDA works tirelessly every day to support and empower those in our community who are impacted by Parkinsons disease . We promote hope and optimism through innovative services, programs, education, and support, while also funding vital research. We are here to help you and your loved ones every step of the way.