Monthly Group Support
Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease and their caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend these support group meetings. The typical agenda follows a "30/30/30" format:
Group business, announcements, important news items, etc. are covered during the first 30 minutes, including any subject matter that should be discussed by the entire membership.
In the second 30 minute period we break out into mixed smaller groups of six to eight for more intimate discussions and to provide mutual support.
For the last period we rearrange seating to form two groups, one for those with PD and the other for caregivers only. This setting provides a valuable and important opportunity for conversations about coping with Parkinson's disease among others who share a similar perspective.
Some meetings will include speakers on a variety of educational subjects such as exercise, nutrition, medications, coping techniques and developments in the research, treatment and management of Parkinson's disease and it's symptoms. Typically these presentations will immediately follow an abbreviated business session, and whatever time remains after the presentation and any Q&A will be split between the two break out formats.
Exercise Class
Exercise is vitally important and therapeutic for individuals with PD. We are focused on offering a variety of affordable exercise programs for our members. The newest exercise class designed specifically for the PD community is "PWR!" (Parkinson's Wellness Recovery)
We offer three "PWR!" classes each week: Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Wellness Center at MAC, Inc. from 11:00 a.m. to Noon; and a more challenging session called "PWR Plus" on Wednesdays from Noon to 1:00 p.m. (Plus has more floor work with mats including practicing techniques for getting up after a fall).
There is a drop-in fee of $3 per person for each session. Caregivers invited to participate Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday session does not currently have room for caregivers but we're working to change that.
General Membership Meeting
General membership meetings are the third Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at MAC Inc. 909 Progress Circle, Salisbury, MD. Meetings are dividend into 30 minute segments which generally include a brief update from the board of directors, group discussions and/or a guest presenter who focuses on topics related to Parkinson's disease.