Skip to content

Other Resources

COVID-19 Resources

The health of our community is ALWAYS at the forefront of how we operate at PRO. Under guidance from the Stay Home Stay Healthy directive we suspended IN PERSON meetings of our 70+ strong network of support groups, exercise classes, and education.  With the ready availability of the COVID-19 vaccine we have recently begun shifting plans to gradually include in-person groups and outdoor activities. We continue to monitor local guidance and adhere to best practices.

This means that while staff are mostly working back at our offices, we are masked for all interactions and ask that visitors also respect our mask policy. If you cannot comply, we will make alternate service arrangements for you.

We are as available now as we have ever been, with phone support (800.426.6806) and email transferring to the most appropriate person to help. Special thanks to our community of support group facilitators, 100 strong (!) who are aiding in this process by remaining connected with group members in their immediate circle.

Activities on our calendar will indicate whether the format is virtual or in-person and opportunities being added continuously. We are as eager as you are to resume in-person support! In the meantime, please check our calendar, Facebook, or contact us to learn of our vibrant online offerings or if you have specific questions regarding program status.

With information and guidelines for health and safety surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changing, it is important that you are making decisions for you and your family based upon the most current and factual resources provided by the public health experts. Here are trusted resources:

•    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov
•    Oregon Health Authority, Oregon.gov/oha
•    Washington State Department of Health, doh.wa.gov

Additional resources: 

Multnomah County Public Health: (503) 988-3406 or https://multco.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19
Clackamas County Public Health: (503) 742-5300 or https://www.clackamas.us/about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Clark County Public Health: (564) 397-8182 or https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/novel-coronavirus
Washington County Public Health: (503) 846-3594 or https://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/CommunicableDiseases/covid-19.cfm
Marion County Public Health: (503) 588-5342 or https://www.co.marion.or.us/HLT/Pages/COVID-19.aspx 

Deschutes County Health Services: (541) 388-6570 or https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/public-health

The short answer? Until our county and state public health officials lift restrictions on social gatherings, out of an abundance of caution we will suspend IN PERSON gatherings of all PRO support groups. We will reevaluate on a rolling basis each quarter. Even with the potential for an easing of restrictions in some counties for some activities, guidelines STILL indicate that seniors and high risk individuals must continue to practice extreme caution and isolate as much as possible. We know that you are missing your peers and those connections and we cannot wait to get back to normal operations. In the meantime, every step must be taken to protect health the of clients, volunteers, and our staff

In the meantime, PRO has launched staff-facilitated and regionally focused Telephone-based Support groups, and many groups have adopted to the Zoom platform for monthly connection and support. Your local facilitator or PRO can best connect you during this time.

The schedule and registration information for these call in groups is now posted on our event calendar. If you would like to participate in any program you see, please email AskPRO@parkinsonsresources.org or call 800.426.6806. We can then get you the appropriate telephone number or website address.

While the advent of a vaccine for COVID-19 is here, it is likely to be many more months before we realize any easing of gathering restrictions. For all of us, this is likely to continue much longer than we would like. Please let us know if you would like to have a chat with a staff member or peer volunteer. We are ready to respond and help you address some of the anxiety caused by this time of uncertainty. If you are struggling or need some thoughts on how to successfully weather these next few winter months, we’ve started a list of suggestions!

The generosity and creativity of both local and regional Parkinson’s exercise specialists has truly been an inspiration.  We will continue adding to this list, and encourage you to check back frequently when you want to change things up!  

  • TAKE A WALK. There simply is no replacement for the outdoors, the fresh air, the movement and it is free!
  • Destination Rehab is offering FREE web based programs as well.  https://www.destinationrehab.org/movement
  • The Brian Grant Foundation has FREE access to a wide variety of PD specific exercise classes https://briangrant.org/exercise-videos/
  • Dance for PD has online streaming at https://danceforparkinsons.org/resources/dance-at-home
  • The Academy of Modern Martial Arts has assembled a collection of Tai Chi sessions
  • Parkinson’s Resources is posting links and updates as other generous providers notify of about FREE  or significantly reduced cost options. We can also connect you to private instructors, OT and PT who can work with your privately via virtual connection.

Of course, if you are already working with a group or individual instructor – first contact them to find out if they are continuing their services in an online format!

Please consult your healthcare provider before engaging in any new exercise regimes. Here are some tips to make a safe exercise space at home: 

  • Choose a space where you’ll have enough room to move around and maintain balance. 
  • If using a chair or other furniture for assistance, make sure it’s sturdy and that it won’t slide out from under you. 
  • If exercising alone, make sure you have access to a phone in case of an injury or fall. 
  • Listen to yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard and take breaks if you need them. 
  1. Follow all recommendations for staying home and practicing good hygiene.
  2. Ask for help for yourself if needed.  
  3. Reach out to your friends and family frequently. 
  4. Reach out to anyone you know who might be managing this situation alone or with limited resources
  5. Support the helpers.  Just as the staff and volunteers at Parkinson’s Resources are diligently flexing, shifting and remaining nimble to respond to COVID-19, so are other organizations and responders working to do their best. Your support, whether words of encouragement or monetary, will have a powerful impact, now more than ever.  If you are moved to donate to Parkinson’s Resources during this time, please click the donate button at the top of the screen.  Thank you.

Have a question?

Please Ask!

It is probably safe to say that none of us planned for this unprecedented global pandemic perfectly. Understand that you are not alone AND that there is a community available to share frustrations, offer coping tips and keep moving forward together.

Have a question?

please ask!

It is probably safe to say that none of us planned for this unprecedented global pandemic perfectly. Understand that you are not alone AND that there is a community available to share frustrations, offer coping tips and keep moving forward together.