Care Partner Support Programs & Resources

When someone you love is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), it is natural to feel a range of emotions from confusion to anger to fear.  Taking care of yourself is as important as caring for your loved one with PD.

APDA is here to help with resources and support programs designed specifically for you.

Care Partner Support Series

New to APDA in 2025, APDA Care Partner Connection Program is a multi-week Care Partner support series. Modeled after the APDA PRESS program for newly diagnosed, this series offers the opportunity to connect with other care partners for emotional support and sharing. The group also provides education about planning for the future and practical resources. This group was designed for care partners who are looking for a space to share their feelings and learn more about PD caregiving considerations.

Classes will consist of interactive sessions; discussions and brainstorming to help you take the tools and resources you learn about and put them into action in your life.

Classes will be held virtually on Zoom.

PROGRAM OUTLINE:

  • Session 1: Caregiving – Practical Questions
  • Session 2: Preparing for the Future, Part 1
  • Session 3: Preparing for the Future, Part 2
  • Session 4: PD is a Family Disease – What Worries You?
  • Session 5: Understanding PD from a Care Partner Point of View   
  • Session 6: Coping with a Changing Condition – The Experience of Being a Care Partner
  • Session 7: Coping with a Changing Condition – Changing Roles
  • Session 8: Strengths & Supports

FURTHER INFORMATION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to commit to attending all eight weeks – these are not drop-in sessions.
  • You are a current PD Care Partner. The group is for the care partner only, not the care partner and the person with PD.
  • This group is not strictly an educational group or a caregiving class – it is a time-limited / short-term support group.
  • Program is free of charge.
  • Pre-registration required.  Program is limited to 12 participants.

Class will begin early in 2025

INTERESTED?

Fill out this Interest FORM

Contact Katie Freeman, MSW at 206-507-4091, kfreeman@apdaparkinson.org

APDA Literature

  • Download our publication called Becoming a Care Partner to learn about ways you can handle some of the challenges of being a care partner.
  • When a parent has Parkinson’s disease, the couple may wonder how to talk to their children about the diagnosis. My Mommy Has PD….But It’s Okay is a guide for young children about Parkinson’s disease

Care Partner Support Groups

National Caregiver Resources