Specialized Support
North Florida Parkinson’s Awareness
The North Florida Parkinson’s Awareness Choir welcomes all members of the Parkinson’s community — including people diagnosed with PD, family members, friends, and caregivers — to raise their voices in song. No singing experience is required! The choir works toward improving some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affecting voice quality, like articulation, volume, and breath support. Being a choir member also allows an opportunity for fellowship while performing for members of the greater Tallahassee community. The choir was started in 2005 by a group of friends and a board certified music therapist that recognized a lack of resources for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It soon inspired the start of a 501(c)3 organization that has serviced the needs of the PD community for over a decade of service, and now finds its home with Elder Care Services, Inc. The choir continues to sing, surviving the coronavirus pandemic by moving its rehearsals to a virtual format. The group is small but mighty, and proud to reach members as far away as Canada! All are welcome to join Zoom rehearsals, Thursdays from 10:30 a.m–11:30 a.m. EST. Contact michelle@capitalcitymusictherapy.com and request to be added to the Parkinson’s choir email list. Zoom invitations are sent Thursday mornings ahead of rehearsal.
Support Group for Family and Caregivers
This support group is for caregivers, family, or friends of those who are taking care of someone with Parkinson’s Disease. It is an open space led by an LCSW intern. This group will explore some of the questions we often hear at the beginning of diagnosis and provide space to discuss ongoing concerns. Example questions include, “What do I do now? What are the treatments available? What is the prognosis? What doctors do I need? Is anyone else going through this?” The group meets the first Tuesday of every month at Sweat Therapy Fitness during one of their Rock Steady Boxing classes. Please view our Google Calendar for updates or contact Julie Menendez at menendezj@ecsbigbend.org if you have any questions.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
A free 6-week hybrid education series that aims to help caregivers not just survive but THRIVE while caregiving. Powerful Tools for Caregivers gives you the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Join us to learn techniques to help reduce stress, improve communication, and understand their emotions. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is offered on an ongoing basis. Visit our Google Calendar for updates or contact Julie Menendez at menendezj@ecsbigbend.org for more information.
LGBTQ+ Support Group
Join us the last Thursday of every month from 11:30am–12:30pm at the Tallahassee Senior Center for a free support group hosted by Elder Care Services and Capital Tea. This group is open to seniors 50+.
Sign Up for the LGBTQ+ Support Group
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease
AIM is a volunteer program that uses Art in Medicine research to help our Tallahassee community. We are run by students at the Florida State University College of Medicine and are funded by the Chapman association. As a group we will be using dance, music, and the visual arts to interact with our community. We look forward to having events with you! Please complete the interest form. Check our calendar for zoom link and days/time.