Support Groups
When a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it can often feel like a lonesome journey with pending, unanswered questions or concerns along the way.
“My doctor’s appointment is months away. I’m not sure what to do until then.”
“My wife/husband doesn’t understand what I’m going through. It’s frustrating.”
“I was told I should be exercising. What are some good Parkinson’s classes in my area?”
One of the first resources we will recommend is joining a local Parkinson’s support group. Support groups help provide encouragement, inspiration, and fellowship from other families sharing similar experiences. They can also assist caregivers in coping with the challenges associated with the disease.
Learning Opportunities
Not only do support groups provide a much needed emotional and social outlet, but information and access to a wide array of Parkinson’s resources in the community. Many of the local Parkinson’s support groups have professional guest speakers from the community present on topics related to the disease.
Some great presentations…
Deep Brain Stimulation
Music Therapy
Parkinson’s Nutrition
Falls Prevention
Eye Care and Parkinson’s
Many more!
Getting Out and Meeting Others
“My husband/wife isn’t motivated to get out of the house. How can I have him/her meet new people?”
Apathy is a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or motivation. It is also a very common symptom of PD and can interfere with effective management of other symptoms, since apathetic people are less inclined to do things like exercise and follow their medication schedules.
Apathy can be one of the most frustrating Parkinson’s symptoms a caregiver will encounter. Research has shown that people with apathy require more from their caregivers. It is difficult to see your loved one ignore or refuse to do things you both know are helpful for his or her Parkinson’s, such as exercise. Remember that apathy is a symptom of the disease and the person with PD is not necessarily being lazy or making excuses.
Currently, there are no proven effective medication treatments for apathy, but structured activities and opportunities for socialization are a very useful approach. If you or a loved one is struggling with apathy, we encourage you to attend one of our monthly support groups. A support group can be a special outing with an opportunity to learn more about PD, maintain a healthy social life, and make new friends.
Avoiding isolation and the urge to stay home all the time is a vital component for managing apathy and improving quality of life.
Finding the Right Support Group in the Ozarks
“I work during the day and need something in the evenings.”
Support Group Recommendation:
King’s Way United Methodist Church
3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 PM
2401 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804
417-881-6363
“We need something when we come into Springfield on the weekends while we run our errands.”
Support Group Recommendation:
The Bodysmith
2nd Saturday of the month at 11 AM
1136 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806
417-865-0500
“Afternoons are our best time for getting out of the house.”
Support Group Recommendation:
King’s Way United Methodist Church
3rd Tuesday of the month at 2 PM
2401 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804
417-881-6363
“I don’t feel comfortable meeting in-person. Are there any online support groups?”
Support Group Recommendation:
Sharlin Health & Neurology
4th Monday of the month at 10 AM
5508 N. Farmer Branch Rd., Ozark, MO 65721
417-485-4330
“I live outside of Springfield, what support groups are available?”
Support Group Recommendations:
Sharlin Health & Neurology
4th Monday of the month at 10 AM
5508 N. Farmer Branch Rd., Ozark, MO 65721
417-485-4330
Stone County Health Department
1st Thursday of the month at 12 PM
11016 State Hwy 76, Ste 11, Branson West, MO 65737
417-357-6134
You can find all our support groups listed here: PGO Support Groups
Still not sure which support group is right for you?
Call or email us and we’ll be happy to discuss our support group options!
