How to Find Resources for People With Parkinson's Disease (PWP)

Caretakers and PWP often need help. To meet these needs, this article identifies resources, agencies and programs that can be of assistance, many at no cost to the patient.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a telephone
• a computer with internet access

1. 
   PWP needs assistance.

   Needs: Determine the patient's needs. Does the patient live alone? Is he able to prepare his own meals? If he has a caregiver, can that person hold up? Is the house "disability ready"? Is the patient ok financially? Has he applied for and is receiving Social Security disability benefits? Can the patient afford his medications? Does he have transportation for doctor's visit?

2. 
   AoA Eldercare

   Local help: Check on local community services. One way is through the Agency on Aging (AoA). It can help with finding senior volunteer programs, community exercise groups, using Meals-on-Wheels, and finding transportation. AoA also guides you on Medicare rules, in-home care reverse mortgages, tax preparation. You can reach AoA Eldercare at [phone] or www.eldercare.gov

3. 
   Legal Assistance

   Legal assistance: For more legal advice seek an "Elder Law" Attorney. Things like long term care decisions, disability benefits, etc. are their speciality. One resorce is the Nattional Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, [phone] or www.naela.org

4. 
   Rebuilding Together

   Home Improvement: Many PWP need modifications to their living space, like ramps, hand rails, non-slip surfaces and more. Rebuilding Together offers assistance if you meet their qualifications. Check them out at [phone] or www.rebuildingtogether.org. Many times a local church or Habitat for Humanity group can help with these needs.

5. 
   Job Accommodation Network

   Employment: In the early stages, PWP may still be able to work. Look to the no-cost job consulting program Job Accommodation Network (JAN). They are a service of the US Dept of Labor and help by suggesting "accommodation solutions" and other assistance with employers complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Call [phone] or www.jan.wvu.edu.

6. 
   Melvin Weinstein Parkinson's Foundation

   Prescriptions and Medical Equipment: Finally, for financial help with medicine costs or equipment, most drug companies have limited assistance programs. Visit www.pdf.org/AboutPD/med treatment.cfm#anchor4. The Melvin Weinstein Parkinson's Foundation (MWPF)is another source for bucks. Call them at [phone] or www.mwpf.org.

7. 

   While these steps address PWP, many of them apply to disabled or elderly patients. For more information, you can call the Parkinson's Information Service at [phone] or email them at [e-mail]. Your doctor can put you in contact with a local PWP support group which can be an invaluable resource.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your physician, nurse, or social worker if you need assistance. They are often the most knowledgeable about local services.
• Read "Living Well With Parkinson's Disease" by Gretchen Carie and Michael Church, both are PWP (and married now.)
• Much of this information is from the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's News and Review, Summer 2008. Their web site is www.pdf.org.
• Don't be afraid, embarrassed, or shy about asking for help. That is why these organizations exist.
• The danger of not seeking help is financial ruin, injury if you fall, immobility and lack of socialization, and missing out on free resources.

Resources

• Parkinson's disease Foundation