Resources for Individuals Living Alone
Information on Living with Parkinson's Disease
Below are linked several resources that provide a general overview of Parkinson's Disease and what an individual should be aware of with this condition.
- Stages of Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's Foundation)
- Movement Symptoms (Parkinson's Foundation)
- Non-Movement Symptoms (Parkinson's Foundation)
- Parkinson's Today Blog (Parkinson's Foundation)
- This blog consistently provides up-to-date information about Parkinson's Disease and discussion resources for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
- The Parkinson's Podcast (Davis Phinney Foundation)
- This podcast provides a wide range of information related to Parkinson's Disease and consistently uploads new sessions.
- Every Victory Counts (Davis Phinney Foundation)
- This is a book (physical or electronic versions are available) that explores the different components of living with Parkinson's Disease and provides valuable resources on how to live well with Parkinson's Disease.
- Stress Management for PD (Parkinson's Foundation)
- This article discusses the importance of addressing stress and how individuals with Parkinson's disease can learn to cope with stressful situations.
Resources to Support Living Alone with Parkinson's Disease
Tips for Living Alone with Parkinson's | This is an article published by the Parkinson's Foundation that discusses the challenges one may face when living alone with Parkinson's Disease and provides suggestions on how to overcome these barriers.
Living Alone with Parkinson's | This is a webinar completed by the Davis Phinney Foundation. In this video five individuals that are currently living alone with Parkinson's Disease discuss their experiences, challenges, and suggestions to anyone that is living alone.
Being Your Own Caregiver | This is an article written by the Parkinson's Foundation discussing how individuals with Parkinson's Disease that live alone are their own caregivers. Additionally, this article discusses the important aspects to consider when an individual becomes their own caregiver.
Living Alone: Home Safety & Management | This is a webinar completed by an occupational therapist through the Parkinson's Foundation. In this presentation, the occupational therapist discusses the importance of home safety and how environmental factors may increase risk factors within the home. Additionally, they discussed how home safety impacts one's ability to complete tasks.
Planning Ahead When Living Along
The Parkinson's Home Safety Checklist | This is a guide that was created by the Davis Phinney Foundation that outlines safety concerns in each room of someone's home. It discusses possible adaptations that can be made to each of these rooms to make them a more accessible and safe place for the individual with Parkinson's Disease.
Aware in Care Kit | A part of living alone with Parkinson's Disease is that these individuals are often their main advocate during medication situations. This kit which was developed by the Parkinson's Foundation allows individuals to discuss their Parkinson's medication with their providers and the importance they receive their medication on time. A physical kit can be ordered for the price of shipping or an electronic version of the handouts can be downloaded for free.
Public Health Neighbor | This is a program that is run by Nicollet County Public Health to help protect and support older adults that live independently. An individual can sign-up to receive daily phone calls from a public health staff member to ensure that they are safe within their home. Phone calls are made during the week at a predetermined time. If contact is not made within the morning the individual selected contact person (family/friend/neighbor) will be contacted to check in on the individual. If the contact person is unable to make contact, the law enforcement officers will be contacted. To enroll in this program call the Public Health Office at (507)934-8559.
Support Groups
Local Support Groups | The Parkinson's Foundation has compiled a list of the support groups offered in the state of Minnesota. To locate a local support group in Minnesota click here.
For individuals that live in the Saint Peter, MN area there is a Parkinson's Disease support group being offered in Mankato, MN at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. To learn more information about this support group call the group leader, Kelly Simmons, at (507)995-0722 or email at kelly.simmons@prhomecare.com.
PD Solo Network | This is a weekly online support group for individuals that are living alone with Parkinson's Disease. This group is hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation but is led by individuals that live alone. Currently, this group is being offered on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 1-2:30 p.m. ET or 7:30-9 p.m. ET. Sessions are free to attend and are hosted via Zoom.
Online Support Groups | The Davis Phinney Foundation has compiled a list of online support groups that are beneficial to individuals with Parkinson's Disease. They have found the following online groups appropriate for individuals:
Exercise Groups/Classes
In Saint Peter, MN there are some exercise classes specifically tailored for individuals with Parkinson's Disease and some general exercise classes that would be beneficial to these individuals. Additionally, there are numerous online exercise classes tailored to individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Listed below are some of the offered online exercise classes.
- LSVT BIG | This is a class that is offered to individuals that have completed the LSVT BIG protocol with either/both a physical therapist/occupational therapist. The class is completed at River's Edge Hospital and Clinic. To learn more about this program click here or call (507)934-7638.
- Rock Steady Boxing | This non-contact boxing class is offered at River's Edge Hospital and Clinic for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. To learn more about this group exercise class click here or call (507)934-7638.
- Senior Fitness | In Saint Peter, MN the community center offers a senior fitness class that would be beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's Disease; however, this class is not specifically for Parkinson's Disease. The class is offered three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Classes are an hour long and start at 10 a.m. For a $25 dollar registration fee an individual can participate in the class for five weeks when attending each weekly session. To learn more about this program click here or call (507)934-0667.
- Dance at Home | This is a program run through the Mark Morris Dance Group and offers free dance exercise classes to individuals with Parkinson's Disease. They have many live exercise groups throughout the week and individuals can watch back previous sessions on their own time. To learn more about this program and to attend the free sessions click here.
- APDA Exercise Classes | The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosts weekly strength and cardio, seated exercise, movement training, Tai Chi, and Yoga online exercise classes for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Additionally, individuals can watch past exercise classes.
