Zooming Support Groups - Going Virtual Options

There are many support group opportunities throughout Alabama with new ones added often for meeting in person. And nothing replaces the social connectedness and camaraderie that can be found in attending support groups in person.

But let’s face it. Not everyone has a support group conveniently located to them, or if there is one nearby, it may not meet your specific needs.

The PAA acknowledges the need of connecting with support groups and resources outside of working hours. We also want to make sure underserved areas throughout the state have access to support groups. One way to do this is to host them virtually over zoom.

Many of us became pro-users of zoom during the pandemic and when we were confined to our homes. At times, we may still be weary of getting out in public due to the rise of potential COVID or flu cases. Taking the support group to a virtual setting as needed, can be an alternative to staying connected for in-person groups.

Also, because our journeys with Parkinson’s can be so unique, sometimes we need to have an opportunity to meet with those that are on similar paths. Perhaps you are the care partner, or you have Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Maybe you live alone presenting a unique set of needs.

Our goal is to expand opportunities for connections throughout Alabama with virtual support groups. Currently we have four options for your consideration and we are always open to starting more.

Living with PD Support Group

Meets Monthly on the Second Monday at 7pm

Zoom Virtual Session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83108988345

Facilitator: Brooklyn White

Email: brooklyn@parkinsonalabama.org

If you are diagnosed and living with Parkinson’s disease, this group is for you. We will open each session with a 5-10 minute presentation of new resources. From there, we will open the session to questions and discussion. The goal is to connect with other people living with Parkinson’s to share tips that work for them across Alabama. This support group started in January, and is growing.

​Care Partner Support Group

Meets Monthly on the Second Tuesday at 7pm

Zoom Virtual Session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85315876563

Facilitator: Brooklyn White

Email: brooklyn@parkinsonalabama.org

This support group kicked-off in July after taking a pause for a couple of years. This is a safe place where care partners can visit topics and ideas, as well as ask questions from one another to better help their loved ones with Parkinson’s. Individuals attending may include spouses, adult children, siblings, friends or anyone who is primarily caring for their loved ones with Parkinson’s. ​

Young Onset Parkinson's Network

Meets Monthly on the Second Tuesday at 7pm

YOPN members come together to learn, engage, and support one another. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow members, share experiences and insights about living with YOPD, discuss personal challenges as well as potential opportunities, and learn how others thrive beyond diagnosis. This is your safe space -a place you can be real with others who understand what you're experiencing. To learn more and get information for joining, please contact Katie Fordham.

The Solo Network - Living Alone with Parkinson's?

The Parkinson's Foundation is proud to announce the PD Solo network. The goal of this network is to build a virtual community of support information for those who live solo while also living with Parkinson's; living solo doesn't mean being lonely or isolated. The PD Solo Network meets via zoom. Call Nancy at 1.585.743.1266 with questions. There are two sessions available each week at 12pm and 6:30 p.m., but future meeting times will be determined by participants. Learn more and register HERE.

Want to facilitate?

We are always looking for volunteers who would like to facilitate, or co-facilitate a virtual support group. The PAA can setup the zoom sessions for you, and promote the group opportunity as well. Is there a special topic you want to focus on? Sometimes it takes starting the group to see if there is interest. The PAA will provide all the training you need, as well as provide program topics and contacts for helping you to bring fresh and new ideas to your group. All you need is computer and zoom access – and you can launch and facilitate the meeting from the comforts of your own home at a time most convenient to you.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing, please contact Brooklyn White at brooklyn@parkinsonalabama.org

New to Zoom?

Are you unfamiliar with how to use Zoom? You can always check out this getting started guide at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360034967471-Getting-started-guide-for-new-users

Virtual zoom support groups is just one way the PAA is working to improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's, their care partners and families. Offering these sessions allows us to connect more deeply and extend our rural reach for providing support to those in underserved areas.