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Providing Parkinson's Care

Resources for Family Members

Keeping You in Mind

Without diminishing the experience of individuals living with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, PRO recognizes that spouses, partners and immediate family are also affected by PD. Early in the disease, the daily impact is often minimal as there may be no need for personal assistance and activities continue as normal. As time goes on and symptoms progress, family caregivers find themselves taking on new roles and responsibilities, frequently with little or no training. 

We know that providing care for a loved one with Parkinson’s is hard and can turn into a full time role. We are here for you too! Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon offers programs for family and friends who provide care and support to people with Parkinson’s as well as for people who have Parkinson’s themselves.

  • Caregiver support groups
  • Free counseling support for caregivers
  • Social Work case management to help connect with resources on understand systems like Medicaid for Long Term Care
  • Classes that provide helpful caregiving skills
  • Reimbursement for respite care for those who qualify

Case Management and Counseling

Our Social Work services can make a big difference for caregivers. Whether you need help finding the right home health agency, a listening ear on a hard day, or a family meeting to discuss how kids and parents can work together to provide care, call on us! Our experienced Social Work staff have the flexibility and expertise to help ease the many concerns that can come up on along the way.  By offering these services for free, we eliminate barriers to all who need these important services.

Support Groups Just for Family Caregivers

Family and friends are always welcome to our support groups, but we also have some support groups that are just for you. Care Partner Groups are a special program to give needed support for caregivers in a safe and confidential group of peers. In these groups you can hear what has worked for others in your situation. You can also find people who really understand the mixed emotions you might wrestle with. They deal with some of the same things you do and it is great to have a good laugh together, or a good cry, when you need one.

Family Caregiver Respite Program

As a family caregiver, it is important that you attend to your own health needs and find ways to engage in activities to aid in stress reduction and self-care. In the face of advancing Parkinson’s disease, many caregivers slowly take on increasing responsibilities and have few opportunities for meaningful breaks.

The Family Caregiver Respite Program was created to provide modest financial assistance for the care of Parkinson’s patients who require assistance with Activities of Daily Living and cannot safely be left alone. This program reimburses costs for short term care for the Parkinson’s patient, while the caregiver receives a break from their challenging role. In order to be eligible for this program you must:

  • Be a primary caregiver who resides with a family member with Parkinson’s (includes spouse, domestic partner, or adult child)
  • Live in the PRO service area (Oregon and SW Washington)
  • Provide a description of the financial situation that creates a barrier to obtaining additional care services

Upon completion of The Family Caregiver Respite Program application, approved caregivers will work with our social worker to create a respite plan and explore other resources to support their caregiver role. Funds must be used within 12 months.

Caregiver Education

Sometimes you just need information. Our Advanced Stage Caregiver Training program offers classes specifically for family members who care for someone with PD with significant needs. Local experts share the latest information on medications and their side effects, emotional and mental changes in Parkinson’s disease, caregiver stress, and long term care resources. Our staff is also available during business hours to answer your questions on the Helpline. Help is just a phone call away.

Our “Lift” training program provides hands-on education to family caregivers on how to safely assist their loved one with mobility impairments.  Assistance with walking, transfers, and getting up off the floor are all covered, as well as how to know when to call for help.  

Have a question?

Confidential and compassionate support

The staff and volunteers that run PRO support groups and HelpLine services are here to be of service. Contact us today and give us the opportunity to connect you with others, or simply provide a place for you to safely share your concerns.

Have a question?

Confidential and compassionate support

Connecting with others or simply having a place to safely share your concerns, the staff and volunteers that run PRO support groups and HelpLine services welcome the opportunity to be of service.