I’m Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson's ... What’s the Next Step?

Everyone has a different reaction to the news that they or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Your next steps will vary depending on what stage the person is in at the time of the diagnosis.

The most important step you can take is to access all available resources within your community and online as soon as possible. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the inevitable changes that accompany a diagnosis, becoming familiar with local resources helps you feel more confident thus allowing you to be confident and pro-active in finding and implementing solutions.

People with Parkinson’s are often searching for answers to their questions on how to live better with the disease. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation booklet, Parkinson's Disease Q&A booklet is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions from people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers.

Education is The Key to Maintaining and Improving Quality of Life

Learning about Parkinson’s helps the person with the diagnosis as well as family members, and their caregivers have a better understanding of what to expect, your options, and what kinds of discussions to have with family, friends and your physician. Click on Parkinson's at A Glance to access resources you'll need now and in the future.

Often times, family members and caregivers mistakenly feel that they must do everything for the person with Parkinson's, and that they have to bear the burden alone, which all too often, leads to feelings of anxiety, frustration, and fear, being overwhelmed, and even burnout.

The best way to minimize these feelings for the person with Parkinson’s, family members, and the caregiver is to develop an action plan that allows everyone maintain the highest level of of independence and quality of life possible. Click on Caregiver Resources to understand how to manage the care of others as well as yourself.

Educational Programs & Support Groups

Call the Parkinson’s Disease Association Information & Referral Center Holine at (858) 273-6763 so we can help you prioritize your and your family's needs before the job becomes too challenging. PDASD is staffed by caring, attentive people willing to assist you every step of the way. We highly recommend that you register for our free GoodStart Workshop and encourage the person with Parkinson's as well as all family members to participate in one of our countywide Parkinson’s Support Groups.

Make Legal and Financial Plans Sooner Rather Than Later

It’s important to make legal and financial plans sooner rather than later. Call (858) 273-6763 for more informtion and to register for our free Financial & Legal Wellbeing Workshop which includes strategic planning resources as well as referrals to local professionals for legal and financial advice.

Please Consider Partnering With PDASD to Improve Quality of Life

Your investment helps support programs and services that improve the quality of life for families affected by Parkinson's, and provides funding for medical research seeking more effective treatments and a cure.

See how your gift gives hope and strength to families facing the daily challenges of Parkinson's. Click on the Many Faces of Parkinson's to see how our programs and services maximize self-sufficiency for Parkinson's patients and provide support for their families.

The Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego Exists to Improve
the Quality of Life of Those Affected by Parkinson's