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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