It’s easier to manage Parkinson’s disease (PD) if you have the resources and people you need for support. Fortunately, there’s an active community of health care experts, scientists, PD patients, caregivers and families who are ready to share research, treatment information, personal experiences, advice and so much more.
We encourage you to learn about the different education and Parkinson’s support groups and try one. The potential for a better quality of life and healthier outlook awaits.
Take advantage of Ohio State PD resources and support groups
Connect with a social worker at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Our licensed, degreed social worker, Sarah Grim, LSW, focus on the impact PD has on all areas of a patient’s or caregiver’s life. As examples, this includes assistance and connections for your:
Social Needs
- Workplace accommodations
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Disability benefits
- Transportation
Financial Needs
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or other help with utilities
- Meal assistance
- Prescription assistance programs
Emotional Needs
- PD education and support
- Referrals for mental health counseling and other services
- Caregiver resources at the medical center and in the community
Medical Needs
- Medical equipment/supplies
- Referrals for physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Connections to PD foundations or associations
If you’d like to meet with an Ohio State social worker with PD experience, all you have to do is ask at your next medical appointment, call The Center for Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders at 614-293-4969 or contact a member of your care team through MyChart.
Register for the Deep Brain Stimulation Support Group
We invite you to join the Movement Disorders experts from the Ohio State for a quarterly education event and support group for those who are interested in learning more about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This group is intended for current and potential candidates for DBS, as well as their caregivers.
Those interested can attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. Registration is required. If you’d like more information about the group or to register for an upcoming event, please email Sarah Grim at sarah.grim2@osumc.edu.
Register for “Live Well with Parkinson’s” community fitness classes
Reduce symptoms and improve mobility, posture, balance and gait with a variety of activity choices.
Browse our PD education library featuring videos from Ohio State PD experts
We know you have many questions about a multitude of topics surrounding the PD diagnosis of you or someone you love. Topics include understanding the progression of PD, speech and communication tips, sexual health, adaptive eating, newest treatment options and some of the latest research studies happening at Ohio State.
Join a PD support group near you or access an advocate organization
Whether you’re a PD patient, caregiver or family member, you may find tremendous comfort knowing that there are others dealing with similar struggles, and learning new information may ease your journey. Sharing your own ideas and experiences may help someone else as well.
Please note that meeting times may change. We recommend contacting the groups below directly to confirm details.
- Westerville, Ohio, area Parkinson’s support group in partnership with Concord Counseling and Westerville Senior Center
Supports PD patients with Zoom or in-person group meetings to share disease, treatment and exercise information, as well as coping skills.
Contact: joiwitcher@concordcounseling.org - Central Ohio Area PSP/CBD/MSA support group
Meetings via Zoom or in-person twice a month for patients and caregivers dealing with the atypical parkinsonism prime-of-life rare brain diseases of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). This is not a group for patients with PD, unless the diagnosis has progressed to one of the atypical parkinsonisms.
Contact: centralohiopspgroup@gmail.com or the Dempsey Education Center at 614-788-6115 - El Dopas Parkinson’s disease support group
Meets once monthly in Worthington.
Contact: Susan Hervey at Shervey1963@att.net or 614-531-7416. - El Dopas Care Partners support group
Meets once monthly in northwest Columbus.
Contact: Susan Hervey at Shervey1963@att.net or 614-531-7416. - Parkinson Partners support group
Meets once a month in Upper Arlington.
Contact: Susan Hervey at Shervey1963@att.net or 614-531-7416. - Lewy Body/Parkinson’s caregiver support group
Organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, this group provides free support to family members, caregivers and friends of people with these diseases. Regular meetings are facilitated by a chapter volunteer. Advanced registration is required. See updated locations and times here.
Contact: Call 800-272-3900 or 614-272-3900; visit alz.org/crf; or reach program manager, Missy Rouse, at 614-643-2135 or mrouse@alz.org. - Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Learn more at coaaa.org - Total HealthWorks live and on-demand PD exercise classes
Evidence-based classes taught by professionals with 20+ years’ experience to help you build strength and improve balance and coordination. Where: Zoom. Visit totalhealthworks.com
Contact: Jackie Russell and David Zid at 614-881-5673 or support@totalhealthworks.com - OhioHealth support groups
Help and encouragement for both PD patients and caregivers, as well as a fitness program designed to optimize physical function and help delay the progression of PD symptoms.
For patient and caregiver support groups, contact: Melinda McGuire at 614-788-6115 or Melinda.mcguire@ohiohealth.com.
For classes and other information, call 614-788-6114 or email Dempseycenter@ohiohealth.com. - Parkinson’s Foundation
This national organization provides up-to-date information about PD, emotional support and referrals to professionals and community resources.
National foundation contact: Call 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or email Helpline@Parkinson.org.
To connect with the Great Lakes chapter, visit parkinson.org/GreatLakes. - Research – Access no-cost genetic testing and counseling, explore research advancements and follow the foundation’s $10 million in annual research support.
- Publications – Order hardcopy or online books and articles covering a range of PD topics.
- Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s – Listen to live or previously recorded episodes of this podcast series to learn about the treatments and techniques that can help you live a better life now, as well as the research that can bring a better tomorrow.
- Expert Briefings – Participate live or watch an archived episode of these webinars to learn more about Parkinson’s symptoms, progression, treatments and management.
- Aware in Care Kit – Get the tools and information needed to get the best possible hospital care, whether planned or in an emergency situation. Includes Medical Alert wallet card, nurse fact sheet tear-off pad, medication forms, hospital action plan, ID bracelet, Duopa information card and deep brain stimulation information card.
- Newly Diagnosed Kit – The right level of detail for newly diagnosed PD patients and their caregivers.
- Exercise resources – PD-tailored fitness videos, exercise recommendations, Fitness Counts book and more
- Care Partner resources – Self-paced online courses, Caring and Coping book and more
Helpful patient documents
- My Health Passport
Customize this document with your own health information and keep it with you so that any health professional you meet can quickly understand your health history and how you want to be treated.
View PDF - Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s communication disability verification form
Complete and submit to add or remove persons/license plate numbers from the database of those who have been diagnosed with a communication disability or a disability that can impair communication. Information included in the database is not part of any public record.