Understanding
Parkinson’s Disease
A Guide For Those With
PD And Their Families
Navigation
What is Parkinson’s?
Understanding, Together.
- Resting tremor
- Cogwheel Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Akinesia (absence of movement)
- Postural instability
Why these cells die in Parkinson’s disease is unclear, and the focus of much research. Studies of identical twins show that most Parkinson’s disease is not inherited, and epidemiological studies support a multifactorial model in which both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Familial forms of Parkinson’s disease are known but are uncommon and atypical, most often presenting at an earlier age.
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Clinicians use 5 stages to describe motor symptom progression in PD. Stages 1-2 are early-stage, 2-3 mid-stage, and 4-5 advanced-stage PD.
Diagnosis
Treating, Together.
Managing PD
Why Exercise?
Moving, Together.
- Neuron size/speed of transmission increase
- Increased corticomotor excitation
- Blood flow increases
- Increased serum levels of BDNF
- Inflammation decreases
- Immune system function improves
- Dopamine receptors increased
- Healthy brains recover faster and can do more with less
Alternative Therapy Options
Medication
Financial Assistance for Parkinson’s Medication
Michigan Parkinson Foundation can assist financially qualified people with Parkinson’s disease to obtain relief for PD medication costs. Note: certain medications apply. Qualified individuals must be a Michigan resident. We take into consideration not only annual income but how much you pay out of pocket for medical bills. Once you complete the application and meet all criteria, your medications will be mailed directly to you through our contracted pharmacy.
30400 Telegraph Rd Suite 150
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
Fax: 248.433.1150
MPF social worker can also assist you to find alternative methods of funding your medication costs.
Michigan Parkinson Foundation
Respite Care Program
The Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF) Respite Care Program is designed to alleviate the numerous stresses associated with caregiving by providing additional support in caring for an individual with Parkinson’s. Respite is essential for allowing caregivers to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities and recharge. It is intended to relieve caregivers from day-to-day burnout or provide support for a care partner’s own medical procedure or family social event.
Being a caregiver is a 24-hour job, and caregiver burnout is very common. In the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Public Policy Institute survey, 40% of caregivers felt emotionally stressed and ~20% said it caused financial problems. Time away from caregiving responsibilities is essential to the well-being of caregivers.
We know that caregivers are better able to support their loved one when they make time for themselves. Respite care helps to reduce stress and improve the quality of care regularly provided by caregivers. When you need a break, that’s where respite care can help. The program is not intended to be a long-term solution.
Respite care can take place in the comfort of your home, or out-of-home through adult day centers or a short-term facility stay when 24/7 overnight care is required. Please note that individuals living in long-term alternative living situations (i.e. group homes, assisted living facilities) do not qualify.
Respite Care Services can include companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, accompany doctor visits, grocery shopping. light housekeeping, bathing and/or dressing, incontinence care, mobility assistance, assist with activities of daily living, and transportation.
MPF works with agencies throughout the state of Michigan to connect you with respite agencies. If you are looking for a respite referral, please contact MPF social worker at respite@parkinsonsmi.org.
The MPF offers financial assistance to help pay for respite services.
The client or caregiver must complete the respite care application that includes client demographic, medical, and financial information and sign and attest to the truthfulness of the information.
Application must include a written confirmation of Parkinson’s disease (or related disorder) from a physician’s office. The diagnosis can be faxed to 248-433-1150 or included with submission of application. This is required for review of application.
Each case is reviewed on its individual merits. While we do not have specific parameters or a cut-off for income in order to qualify for the program, we ask that individuals who apply for the program have a true financial need.
Once you submit the application including the diagnosis, the staff social worker will reach out to further discuss the utilization of funding. Please note that the review can take up to one month. We appreciate your patience in this process.
For more information, contact MPF social worker at 248-419-7170 or Respite@parkinsonsmi.org.
Our respite care assistance program is generously funded
by the Kirk Gibson Foundation and other donors. If you would like to support our respite program, please email respite@parkinsonsmi.org for more information.
Insurance & Legal
MMAP
Legal Questions
Insurance & Legal
Healthcare
PACE
MMAP
Legal Questions
Contact Us
More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's Disease.
You are not alone in your journey. We invite you to connect with us.