Specialty Care Guides
Parkinson's
Living with a complex health condition brings new questions and new challenges. We’ve assembled practical guides, trusted resources, and specialized information to help families navigate Parkinson’s disease, dementia, skilled nursing, and end-of-life care with greater confidence.
Exercise & Therapy Programs
Pedaling for Parkinson's
Research shows that pedaling at 80–90 revolutions per minute can ease tremors, improve mobility, and enhance mood.
Rock Steady Boxing
Classes focus on improving strength, balance, agility, and coordination while building confidence and camaraderie.
LSVT Big
The treatment improves walking, self-care and other tasks by helping people “recalibrate” how they perceive their movements with what others actually see. It also teaches them how and when to apply extra effort to produce bigger motions – more like the movements of everyone around them.
LSVT Loud
LSVT LOUD trains people with PD to use their voice at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work, or in the community.
Support Groups
UM Baltimore Washington Center Parkinson’s Support Group
Education and peer support group meets quarterly at the Community Wellness Center, 4th Floor of the Outpatient Care Center in Glen Burnie. Ph: 410-787-4000
UM Baltimore Washington Center Annual Parkinson’s Symposium
Annual one-day event for people with Parkinson’s, care partners, and families.
Learn More About Parkinson's
Parkinson's Foundation
Information for newly diagnosed
Davis Phinney Foundation
Living well with Parkinson's
Michael J Fox
Research and clinical trials
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
Grassroots organization with a network of local chapters
FAQs
Parkinson’s Disease Caregiving: Common Questions Families Ask
Parkinson’s disease affects every family differently, and the caregiving journey often evolves slowly over time. CareProvide co‑founder Jill Kidwell supported her husband through more than 20 years of living with Parkinson’s. Many of the insights below come directly from her experience as a spouse and family caregiver, combined with CareProvide’s nurse‑led approach to supporting individuals and families living with Parkinson’s at home.
Why Might Someone With Parkinson’s Need Home Care?
From Jill’s Experience
Parkinson’s is a long, complex, and ever‑changing journey. In our family, there was never a single moment when we suddenly “needed home care.” Instead, the need grew gradually.
In the early years, our focus was simply understanding the diagnosis—learning about symptoms, medications, exercise, nutrition, and how to live well with Parkinson’s. Over time, we adapted our home, created new routines, and made adjustments as the disease progressed.
But Parkinson’s changes slowly. There was no dramatic turning point. Eventually, I realized I was uncomfortable leaving my husband alone. I wanted someone I trusted to be with him—someone who could provide the support I couldn’t always give myself.
Other families may reach this point after:
- A fall or hospitalization
- Increasing mobility challenges
- Medication changes
- Growing physical or emotional strain on the family caregiver
There is no single sign that tells a family it’s time for home care. A better question is:
Would additional help make life safer, easier, and more sustainable—for both the person living with Parkinson’s and the person caring for them?
How Can a Caregiver Make a Difference for Someone With Parkinson’s?
From Jill’s Experience
At first, having a caregiver gave me one thing: relief. I no longer worried every time I stepped out of the house. Today, we call that respite care—but I quickly learned that trained caregivers offer far more.
Their expertise showed up in small but important ways:
- Knowing which side to walk on to support balance
- Assisting safely with sit‑to‑stand movements
- Making bathing and showering safer and easier
- Helping reduce fall risk during everyday activities
These small adjustments made daily life less difficult for my husband—and far less stressful for me.
As Parkinson’s progressed, their training became even more valuable. I still managed medications and planned his routine, but I couldn’t do everything. Caregivers helped reinforce exercises recommended by physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and supported the daily activities that helped him maintain abilities for as long as possible.
What began as simple peace of mind became a key part of helping my husband live well with Parkinson’s.
Can CareProvide Help Coordinate Parkinson’s Care?
Yes. CareProvide offers nurse‑led home care and care coordination for individuals living with Parkinson’s. It’s important to understand where we take the lead—and where we support the medical team.
Where CareProvide Leads
Most Parkinson’s care happens between medical appointments. Our nurse-led team coordinates the day‑to‑day support that keeps clients safe, active, and engaged at home.
CareProvide:
- Integrates therapist recommendations into the care plan
- Ensures caregivers reinforce prescribed exercises and routines
- Communicates changes we observe in mobility, speech, or daily functioning
- Collaborates directly with participating PT, OT, and speech therapists through our InCIRCLE CarePartners network
If a therapist recommends a specific approach to walking, transferring, or exercise, we make sure that guidance continues long after the therapy session ends.
Families can’t always attend every appointment. Adult children may live out of town, and spouses often juggle work and personal responsibilities. When needed, CareProvide’s Director of Nursing can:
- Attend medical or therapy appointments
- Communicate with providers
- Help families understand recommendations
- Ensure updates are incorporated into the home care plan
Where CareProvide Supports
Medical diagnosis and treatment decisions must be led by a neurologist or physician. CareProvide supports the medical team by:
- Sharing relevant observations
- Helping families prepare for appointments
- Ensuring changes in the medical plan are reflected in daily care
For families with complex medical, financial, or housing needs, a professional care manager may also be involved. CareProvide collaborates closely with care managers while continuing to coordinate day‑to‑day home care.
What Is One Piece of Advice for Families Living With Parkinson’s?
From Jill’s Experience
Parkinson’s changes so gradually that you may not notice how much the caregiving burden has grown. I learned to pay attention not only to my husband’s needs, but also to how my own role was shifting.
Years ago, a friend who had cared for her husband through cancer gave me advice I never forgot:
“Remember, be his wife, not his caregiver.”
That simple sentence changed everything. I remained deeply involved, but I began relying on others for more of the daily caregiving. It gave me the time and emotional space to simply be his wife again.
The same is true for adult children caring for aging parents. When caregiving begins to overshadow the relationship you treasure, it may be time to bring in help.
Still Have Questions About Parkinson’s Care?
Every family’s experience with Parkinson’s is unique. If you’re wondering what changes to expect, considering home care, or simply looking for guidance, CareProvide’s Director of Nursing is available to answer your questions.
There is no obligation—just a chance to speak with someone who understands the Parkinson’s journey and can help you explore your options.