Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms develop gradually, often starting with a small tremor in one hand and a feeling of stiffness. Over time, other common symptoms include tremors, a loss of balance and coordination, gait chances, loss of the sense of smell, fixed facial expressions, vocal tremors, handwriting changes, sleep problems, mood changes, difficulty eating, constipation, fatigue, skin issues, dementia, hallucinations, and delusions. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments available to manage symptoms. The Parkinson’s disease resources below provide helpful information on Parkinson’s disease, guidance, and support. Palliative care can help patients with Parkinson’s disease manage side effects and navigate treatment, while hospice care can help patients nearing end of life manage pain, stress, and discomfort caused by the illness.
- End-Stage Parkinson’s: What to Expect
- At-A-Glance: Parkinson’s Disease
- Hospice Eligibility Requirements
Additionally, here are some hospice and palliative care financial resources for Parkinson’s disease patients:
Community resources for Parkinson’s disease near you.
While there are numerous national Parkinson's disease resources available to patients and their families, local resources, both at the city and state levels, may also be available. Caregiver support, food programs such as Meal on Wheels, in-person and online meet-ups and support groups, and more are among the possible available resources. We suggest that you conduct additional research to see what Parkinson's disease resources and information are available in your area. To find services in your state, go to the Crossroads website.
Parkinson’s disease resources for families.
If you're the caretaker of someone with Parkinson’s disease, or simply a loved one of a patient, the situation can cause stressful. The resources and information listed below can help caregivers and family members supporting a loved one with Parkinson's disease.
- Parkinson’s Foundation
- American Parkinson’s Disease Association
- Rock Steady Boxing
- Crossroads Caregiver Resources
- Eldercare Locator
- Benefits CheckUp
- CaringInfo
- Caring Bridge
- National Alliance for Caregiving - Resources
- Crossroads Grief Support
Additional Parkinson’s disease resources and helpful tips.
You can reach out to Crossroads 24/7 for more information on Parkinson's disease resources for families, such as patient care and comfort care options. Any questions you may have can be answered by contacting us via email, phone, or live chat.
Additional hospice and palliative care resources for Parkinson's disease can be found here:
(Please note that Crossroads does not endorse any of the organizations linked above. Patients and their families should conduct their own research before making any healthcare decisions.)