Virtual Support Groups

Parkinson's Africa, in collaboration with the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson's Foundation, is pleased to announce the launch of a virtual support group for Africans living with Parkinson's disease, their carers, and their families.

It allows people to connect with others who are going through similar things, share their stories and struggles, and offer each other encouragement and support.

Here is the 6 monthly schedule which ADPF have kindly put together.

ADEWUNMI DESALU PARKINSON'S FOUNDATION AND PARKINSON'S AFRICA
ADPF/PA SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAM CALENDAR 7 Months
		CORE ACTIVITIES TO BE FACILITATED OR DISCUSSED		BREAKOUT ROOM ACTIVITIES		Breakout rooms will be capped based on the number of participants to give time for expression
DATES	THEME/TOPICS	PWPs Expectations	CAREGIVER/CARE PARTNER Expectations	PWPs	CAREGIVER/CARE PARTNER	FACILITATORS
09-02-2023	Exercise and movement	Learn about the importance of exercise and movement for people with Parkinson's, and learn about specific exercises and activities that can help delay the progression of the symptoms	Role of caregivers/partners in encouraging PWP to join in the exercises i.e exercise buddy	5min Video on Efficient Exercises, discussing challenges that are preventing members from doing exercises	Discussing how to better assist the members to engage in-home exercises	ADPF Physiotherapist, ADPF & PA Team,
09-03-2023	Coping with symptoms	Share strategies for managing common symptoms of Parkinson's such as tremors, stiffness, and fatigue.	Understanding the symptoms and progression of Parkinson's disease and Coping with the emotional impact of caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease, also Identifying challenges	Discuss how to manage symptoms and how to ease the support of a caregiver	Caring and coping for PWPs Videos on how to better care for and support PWPs	Discuss amongst members or an external facilitator and ADPF/PA Program Team
13-04-2023	Medication management	Discuss the different medications used to treat Parkinson's and their potential side effects, and share tips for managing them.	Strategies for managing medication and treatment plans	Discuss side effects and how to cope with medication. Video on the latest research on PD	Discuss how to encourage PWPs to adhere to their medication. Video on the latest research on PD	External Facilitator (Neurologist) and ADPF/PA Program Team
11-05-2023	Caregiver support	Share tips for supporting loved ones with Parkinson's, and discuss the challenges of being a caregiver	Managing the challenges of caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease at home	Discuss self-care and how to ease the support of caregivers. Shot video on caring and coping	Discuss how to better care for PWPs. Shot video on caring and coping	Discuss amongst members or an External Facilitator and ADPF/PA Program Team
08-06-2023	Emotional well-being	Share tips for coping with the emotional and psychological impact of Parkinson's, and discuss ways to maintain a positive outlook	Tips for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the caregiver	Discuss ways to prevent mental health issues. Shot video on PWP coping with mental health issues.	Discuss how to provide psychosocial support for PWPs. Shot video on caregivers/partner coping with mental health issues	External Facilitator (Clinical Psychologist or a Neuro Psychiatrist) and ADPF/PA Program Team
13-07-2023	Communication and speech	Learn about communication and speech challenges that people with Parkinson's may face, and share tips for managing them	Communication techniques for effectively communicating with a loved one with Parkinson's disease	Shot video on effective communication and or PD latest discoveries on effective communication	Shot video on effective communication and PD latest discoveries on effective communication	External Facilitator and ADPF/PA Program Team
10-08-2023	Nutrition and diet	Learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet for people with Parkinson's, and share tips for managing dietary restrictions	Learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet for people with Parkinson's, and share tips for managing dietary restrictions	Present research on how nutrition and diet as it improved the lives of PWPs	Present research on how nutrition and diet as it improved the lives of PWPs	External Facilitator and ADPF/PA Program Team

The Virtual Support Groups are held every second Thursday of each month via a secure online platform. Members will also have access to a private online forum where they can interact with one another and share resources and information. We invite all Africans living with Parkinson's disease to join us and be a part of this encouraging and empowering community. You can register to attend here