Parkinson's Disease Resources in Athens, Ohio
Support Group for People with Parkinson's
Our peer organized and led support group meets most months. Times and locations vary.
Our sessions are for people with Parkinson's disease only. Our discussions are considered confidential. There is a separate support group specifically for caregivers (see below).
Please contact us for up to date information. Provide a phone number if you would like to be added to the text line.
Our sessions are for people with Parkinson's disease only. Our discussions are considered confidential. There is a separate support group specifically for caregivers (see below).
Please contact us for up to date information. Provide a phone number if you would like to be added to the text line.
Support Group for Caregivers
Caregivers support group to learn more about caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease or other movement disorder. Caregivers for people with dementia and other neurotic conditions are also welcome.
Led by Casey Matthews, Doctor of Physical Therapy, this group provides a supportive community where caregivers can share experiences, learn practical caregiving strategies, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring for a loved one.
Times and locations vary. For more information, please contact Casey Matthews, DPT Email: casey06matthews@gmail.com Cell: 740-497-0690
The Parkinson's Foundation is also a helpful resource for caregivers.
Led by Casey Matthews, Doctor of Physical Therapy, this group provides a supportive community where caregivers can share experiences, learn practical caregiving strategies, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring for a loved one.
Times and locations vary. For more information, please contact Casey Matthews, DPT Email: casey06matthews@gmail.com Cell: 740-497-0690
The Parkinson's Foundation is also a helpful resource for caregivers.
Parkinson’s Exercise Project (PEP!)
Our mission is to improve quality of life and physical fitness in people with Parkinson’s through the power of exercise.
Under the direction of a trained physical therapist Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions physical therapy students offer PEP!, free exercises classes for people with Parkinson’s living in Athens and surrounding counties in the Grover Building, Ohio University, Athens, OH.
Every class includes research-based, disease-specific activities designed to improve walking and balance and increase strength and flexibility in a fun, supportive group exercise setting. These classes are for ALL ability levels and can be modified as necessary for any willing participant! Every semester, alongside physical therapy students, attendees will participate in a wide variety of activities from group fitness style classes, to dancing, drumming, fine motor skills (like card games and writing), as well as activities like yoga, relay races, and so much more. There is no limit to the creativity, fun or rigor of this environment! Benefits: • Exercise is a vital component in the effective management of Parkinson’s disease • Regular, high-intensity exercise can lead to brain changes and improved function • Exercise can be used as an empowering tool in your fight against Parkinson’s • Instruction in research-based, disease-specific exercises by trained physical therapists and Doctor of Physical Therapy students • Education on strategies you can use to improve and maintain physical well-being Please download and bring completed forms to your first session.
Find more information about Exercise and Parkinson's Disease on the Parkinson's Foundation website.
Every class includes research-based, disease-specific activities designed to improve walking and balance and increase strength and flexibility in a fun, supportive group exercise setting. These classes are for ALL ability levels and can be modified as necessary for any willing participant! Every semester, alongside physical therapy students, attendees will participate in a wide variety of activities from group fitness style classes, to dancing, drumming, fine motor skills (like card games and writing), as well as activities like yoga, relay races, and so much more. There is no limit to the creativity, fun or rigor of this environment! Benefits: • Exercise is a vital component in the effective management of Parkinson’s disease • Regular, high-intensity exercise can lead to brain changes and improved function • Exercise can be used as an empowering tool in your fight against Parkinson’s • Instruction in research-based, disease-specific exercises by trained physical therapists and Doctor of Physical Therapy students • Education on strategies you can use to improve and maintain physical well-being Please download and bring completed forms to your first session.
Find more information about Exercise and Parkinson's Disease on the Parkinson's Foundation website.
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy
SPEAK OUT!® is a research-based speech and swallowing treatment for individuals with Parkinson's disease, developed by Parkinson Voice Project. The program teaches patients to shift from automatic to intentional speech through individual therapy, followed by weekly SPEAK OUT! Classes for ongoing maintenance, practice, and support. Both individual and group services are offered through our Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic (HSLC) at Ohio University.
Call 740.593.1404 to register.
For information regarding the Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic (HSLC) at Ohio University, visit: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/hearing-speech-language Learn more about the Parkinson Voice Project in general, visit:https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/program/speak-out/
Call 740.593.1404 to register.
For information regarding the Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic (HSLC) at Ohio University, visit: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/hearing-speech-language Learn more about the Parkinson Voice Project in general, visit:https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/program/speak-out/
Call 740-566-4570 to Register
Delay the Disease
OhioHealth Obleness Hospital Occupational Therapy Department offers free weekly 1-hour group sessions at O'Bleness Hospital, 55 Hospital Drive, Lower Level Room 10, most Fridays 9:00 - 10:00 AM.
Learn more on their blog.
Learn more on their blog.