Support Groups
A Support Group is a group of people who meet to give and gain support from others with similar needs. A Parkinson's Support Group includes people with Parkinson's, their carers and anyone interested in their welfare.
Learning to live with Parkinson's is not easy. Arising from the main symptoms of tremor, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement are many problems of daily living. Often small problems become frustrating ones, such as difficulty doing up small buttons, combing one's hair or turning over in bed.
People with Parkinson's may be able to do some things well at times and be completely incapable of the same task at other times.
The carer may find it difficult at times to know how much assistance to give without threaten¬ing the independence of the one cared for.
Because learning to live with Parkinson's is difficult, many people gain much needed support from being in contact with others who understand. For many, a Support Group reduces the feelings of isolation and creates an opportunity for frank discussion of symptoms, problems and reactions to medication.
A Support Group, however, does not only deal with problems. By sharing ideas and information with others, many people are able to find new ways of coping. Most people who attend feel that the emotional support they both give and receive is of great benefit.
Reach out for Support
Check the current list of Support Groups or call the office on (08) 9346 7373 for the contact number of a Support Group near you.