Free support group meeting in Dunwoody for caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease

Credit: Georgia chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)

Those caring for a family member with a serious illness often face stress, burnout and health issues of their own. An event Saturday, Nov. 8, hosted by the Georgia chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, is designed to help people caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 

The Caregiver’s Guide to Wellness program recognizes the impact to families and the community when a loved one is diagnosed with PD, said Barbara Mooney, the Georgia chapter coordinator. 

Caretaker stress includes taking on all the responsibilities once shared by two, she said.

"We believe that one person may receive a PD diagnosis, but realistically, it's the family and by extension, the community that lives with Parkinson's disease," Mooney said. "So we recognize the important role that the care partner plays. That can include mental wellness, their own physical care, and maintaining their own independence and their own likes and dislikes, to enable them to live an active, optimistic lifestyle."

In recognition of Care Partner Awareness Month, this program focuses primarily on the care partner and gives them the tools and practical tips that they can take home and utilize, she said.

"And then also to add some fun and networking to know that they're not alone and that they have others in their community that are sharing in this same walk of life the same journey," Mooney said.

The Nov. 8 event at the Marcus Jewish Community Center in Dunwoody is free with registration.