Parkinson's disease may cause
you to make certain adjustments in your daily life. Learning
about the disorder and understanding its demands should be
your first step. You may want to find alternative ways to keep
fit--both physically and mentally, seek peer support, and modify
your diet.
Understanding
Change
Living with Parkinson's takes
a great deal of care and understanding. At times it can be
tough on everyone, those with Parkinson's as well as their
caregivers. But knowledge is the key and we encourage you to
learn all you can about the disease and its treatments and
therapies. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be
to face the challenge.
Parkinson Society Ottawa has
an extensive number of videos, pamphlets and books in our Resource
Library that may be of assistance to those with Parkinson's
as well as their friends and families. Contact
us-we can help.
Coping
and Independence
Parkinson's can be very stressful
to the person with the disorder,
the caregivers and family
and friends. This stress can manifest itself physically,
psychologically and emotionally. Adjusting to the challenge
is not easy for anyone. There are, however, some things you
can do to relieve the stress.
First, communicate. Express your
emotions. Not only is it important for you to say what you
need, but it is also important to tell those around you that
you appreciate them. This applies to the person with Parkinson's
and those who are helping out.
You will want to retain those
activities you find enjoyable. Also, develop other hobbies
and occupy yourself with activities that are pleasurable and
that involve relaxation and even a good dose of humor. Check
out the special events offered
by the Society!
Employment is very important
to a person's sense of independence. Early and regular assessments
of the employment situation may be necessary to help plan adjustments
that may be needed. Educating colleagues and employers about
the disease is also helpful. If you decide to stop working
but still wish to spend your time productively, look into volunteering
opportunities.
Support groups are
very important. Parkinson Society Ottawa offers support groups
where you can find mutual sharing, emotional support, understanding
and practical information. These groups can be of a social
nature or more formal where you can learn about various coping
skills. We encourage you to become
a member and get involved. When you do, everyone benefits.
Support
services
You are not alone with your diagnosis.
As well as the assistance you will receive from friends and
family, you can count on Parkinson Society Ottawa to provide
you with information and support.
Family
Education Program
We encourage everyone, the newly
diagnosed as well as those managing Parkinson's for years,
to attend this very informative program. The sessions, offered
every three months, are hosted by professionals and involve
multi-faceted presentations on:
- the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's;
- speech and swallowing problems;
- medications used to treat Parkinson's;
- the psychosocial aspects of the disease; and
- the legal issues patients should be aware of.
Most importantly, the program
provides a forum for an open discussion among people living
with Parkinson's, their caregivers and the medical professionals
on hand.
EDUCATION SESSION!
Parkinson’s 101: Living Well with Parkinson’s
This education session offers an introduction to Parkinson’s, discussing the signs, symptoms and treatment options.
People with Parkinson’s, their family members and friends
are welcome to attend and learn more about how to live well with Parkinson’s.
Call today to register! 613-722-9238
For more information or to register
for the next Family Education Session, please contact our office
at
(613) 722-9238 or e-mail us at psoc@lri.ca.
Support
groups
Support groups meet once each
month for about 90 minutes. Anyone who feels they may benefit
from participation is welcomed. We gladly receive new participants
and hope these groups will continue to flourish and grow.
| Parkinson Society Ottawa
Office at 381 Kent Street, Suite 300: |
Parkinson Support groups offer a supportive environment where questions are answered, ideas for coping are shared, and friendships are formed. These groups can help you cope with your emotions, frustrations and changes that may accompany Parkinson’s disease. Feel free to drop in to the group in your area or contact the group leader for more information. |
Support Groups for People with Parkinson’s and Care Partners |
Groupe de soutien
1er vendredi de chaque mois - 10 h
Salle communautaire Rendez-vous, 2eme étage, Place d’Orléans
Animatrice: Dianne Comeau 819-685-1534 |
Ottawa Centre
2nd Tuesday of each month; 10:00 am
Parkinson Society Ottawa, 381 Kent St. Suite 300, (Kent & Gilmour)
Group Leader: Ann Coulson, 819-455-9712 |
Ottawa West
2nd Thursday of each month; 10:00 am
2 MacNeil Court in Kanata at the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (near the corner of Castlefrank and Hazeldean Road)
Group Leader: Jo Ashford, 613-730-3928 |
Ottawa East
1st Friday of each month - 1:00 pm
Community Rendez-vous Room, 2nd floor, Place d’Orleans
Group Leader: Dianne Comeau 819-685-1534
|
Ottawa South
2nd Tuesday of each month; 10:00 am
Bridlewood Retirement Home, 3998 Bridle Path Drive (Bank & Hunt Club)
Group Leader: Angie Supino 613-323-0646 |
ALMONTE
4th Monday of the month at 7:00 pm
Call 613-256-4700 to register |
Arnprior
2nd Wednesday of each month, 1:30 pm
Arnprior Public Library
Group Leader: Dan Lanoue 613-623-5587 |
Brockville
2nd Monday of each month; 1:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 10 Church Street
Volunteer Group leader: Marg Kerton 613-345-7675 |
Cornwall
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month; 1:15 pm
RCAF Building, Water Street West
Volunteer Group Leader: Elaine Kyer 613-933-5836 |
Kemptville
3rd Monday of every month; 1:00 pm
Kemptville District Hospital, Administration - Classroom
2675 Concession Rd. Parking $2.00
Group Leader: Holly Watson 613-258-3959
|
Pembroke
3rd Tuesday of each month; 1:30 pm
Marianhill at the Marguerite Centre
Front Parlour at the Marguerite Centre
700 Mackay Street (entrance & parking around back)
Group Leader: Joanna Chisnell 613-735-6839 ext.251
jchisnell@marianhill.ca |
Perth Parkinson Support Group
1:30 pm, last Monday of every Month
40 Sunset Blvd., Suite D, Perth, ON K7H 2Y4
Group leader: Suzanne Bourbonnais
Phone: 613-267-6400 |
Renfrew
3rd Monday of every second month; 1:30 pm
Bonnechere Manor, Adult Day Program, 470 Albert Street
Group Leader: Stella Forrest at 613-432-4873 Ext. 1251 |
Winchester
1st Monday of each month - 1:00 pm
Nor-Dun Seniors' Support Centre, 517A Albert Street (formerly Mill St)
Call 613-722-9238 to register |
SPECIALTY SUPPORT GROUPS
These specialty groups offer in-depth discussion and are specifically designed to meet your particular needs. For more information about the group for you, please call Inika Anderson, Director Support Services 613-722-9232 |
Young & Active Parkinson Group
3rd Thursday of each month; 7:00 pm
Parkinson Society Ottawa, 381 Kent St. Suite 300 (Kent & Gilmour)
This group of younger people in the early stages of Parkinson’s discusses issues such as: the challenges of living with a progressive illness and family life, managing a career, etc.
Group leader: Angie Supino 613-323-0646
|
Spouses of Young & Active Group
3rd Thursday of every month; 7:00 pm
Parkinson Society Ottawa, 381 Kent St. Suite 300 (Kent & Gilmour)
For care partners of younger people with Parkinson’s who wish to meet on their own and discuss how best to support their spouse/ family member.
Call 613-722-9238 to register
|
Exercise
We all know that exercise is good not only for our bodies, but also for our general sense of well-being. While it won't alter the fact that you have Parkinson's, a regimen of stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercise will help you feel better and leave you better able to cope with the disease.
Individual Physio
To find a physiotherapist, look in the yellow pages under “physiotherapy”
There are many private and OHIP designated clinics listed. You may receive lower rates at OHIP designated clinics with a physician referral. Some clinics may also be able to do in-home physiotherapy; they will often list this in the advertisement. Cost for physiotherapy varies. Average costs are $50 - $60 per session. You may be able to claim the cost for physiotherapy on private health insurance
Group Physio
Programs are on-going; you can register at any time. A physician referral is required
Parkinson Society Ottawa Office
Suite 300 – 381 Kent St (at Gilmour)
1:00 and 2:00 pm
Fridays at 2:00 pm
Cost: $120 annually (fee is for two $60.00 assessments)
Delivered by: Ottawa and District Physiotherapy Clinic
Call to register: 613-722-9238
The Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus
Fridays at 1:45 pm
Call to register: 613-738-8208
Queensway Carleton Hospital
Fridays at 1:00 pm
Call to register: 613-721-4707 Linda Ryan
Kemptville District Hospital
2675 Concession Rd.
Please contact Alison Crawford, Physiotherapist, at 613-258-6133 ext 136
Nutrition
Like everyone, you should eat
a healthy, well balanced diet based on Canada's Food Guide.
However, there are several aspects of Parkinson's that may
affect your ability to eat properly. They include:
Loss of smell and taste -
Using more spices and paying special attention to visual
appeal and the texture of the food may make foods more palatable.
Swallowing difficulty -
In severe cases, this can lead to impaired nutrition and
chest infections because food gets into the lungs. However,
for most patients, this can be controlled.
Here are some of the symptoms
that may indicate that a person with Parkinson's is having
difficulty swallowing:
- excessive coughing
- a change in the voice after
swallowing
- excessive throat clearing
- increased congestion after
eating
- an increase in the length
of time it takes to eat a meal
- an increase in the effort
needed to eat
- weight loss or dehydration
- complaints of food sticking
in the throat
- complaints of food or liquid "going
down the wrong way"
- liquid is needed to wash
the food down
- low-grade fever
- pneumonia
Try taking several small meals
rather than three large ones and choose softer foods such as
chicken, ground meat, thick soups or stews. For more solid foods,
swallow two or more times before taking another bite. Sipping
liquids can also assist in swallowing.
If the swallowing problems
persist, see your physician. Throat x-rays can be taken to
find the degree and cause. Speech pathologists and counselling
can also help.
It is also important for family
members to learn the Heimlich maneuver in the event that
the airway becomes blocked by food.
Stomach fullness and bloating -
The stomach empties more slowly in people with Parkinson's.
This may result in a full or bloated feeling. There are medications
that can help speed up stomach emptying. Talk to your physician.
Constipation - Parkinson's
also slows bowel action but again, this can be controlled
in almost every case with daily exercise, a high fiber diet
or laxatives. You should talk to your physician if this is
a concern.
Speech
Some people with Parkinson's
experience speech or voice problems. Sometimes, their voices
may be very weak or start off strong but fade toward the end
of a sentence. Parkinsonians with this symptom should consult
a speech therapist. There are specific exercises to improve
voice volume. The Society's Resource
Library has several books and videos on speech and communication
improvement.
Inappropriate silences or delays
when starting to speak may also occur. Sometimes, it may just
be difficult to find the right words (which is not necessarily
due to intellectual impairment). It may be helpful to take
the time to organize your thoughts and then take a deep breath
before beginning to speak. Swallowing prior to speaking will
also help clear the mouth of saliva, making it easier to speak
clearly.
Speech
Therapy
Please call 613-722-9238
