I’m Angela Carnahan — a wife, mother of two adult children and the Northwest Sr. Manager of Business Implementation for a telecom company. Staying active has always been essential for me, helping me manage the stresses of work and life. I was dedicated to Pilates, spinning, morning walks and my Peloton bike and tread… until everything shifted shortly after my 48th birthday. I began noticing my right hand shaking unexpectedly, a subtle tremor that soon became impossible to ignore or hide.
After visits to my primary doctor, an MRI, and a quick referral to a neurologist, specializing in movement disorders, I received a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) just three months after my symptoms began. In disbelief, I sought further confirmation with a DATscan, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Once the shock settled, I turned to research and found tremendous support through the Parkinson’s Foundation. They provided me with invaluable information and connected me to a community that understands this journey.
I found my way to my first-ever PD research study — the Parkinson’s Foundation genetic study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s. Participating was incredibly easy, and I was happy to feel like I was helping the future for a cure.
Thanks to encouragement from the Parkinson’s Foundation, I’m now heading into my fourth year participating in Parkinson's Revolution at TEAMride, and my third as a co-lead volunteer, helping to organize and raise funds for this event.
Exercise remains my anchor, as it’s the only proven way to slow Parkinson’s progression. This disorder can bring on symptoms like tremors, muscle cramping and balance issues — but my commitment to fitness has been a lifeline.
My Pilates routines at InstaPhysique are specifically tailored to build strength, balance, stability and core endurance — all crucial for managing my symptoms. Joining my local Rock Steady Boxing group (Hope in Your Corner) has also greatly improved both my physical and mental resilience, keeping me strong in the face of Parkinson's challenges.
Find a PD-related exercise class near you! Explore classes through your local Parkinson’s Foundation chapter or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Explore mindfulness techniques to promote relaxation and rest. Learn practical strategies for creating a calming evening routine to support better sleep.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Crista Ellis, E-RYT, B.Sc
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga
Senior Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body. These mindfulness techniques can offer moments of respite and clarity that can be useful throughout your week. Find a comfortable seat and join your mindful Parkinson's community for a special session. Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Taylor Rush, Ph.D.
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
We all think. Mindfulness won’t stop that. What mindfulness can do is help us be aware of our thoughts so that we can put attention and energy into the thoughts that serve us, and let go of the thoughts that aren’t helpful. In this session, we will discuss how this works and offer a guided meditation on awareness of thoughts.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Devon Hase
Author, Meditation Teacher
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
Develop tools to practice patience and accept what is beyond control. A session to nurture inner peace amidst the uncertainties of life with Parkinson’s.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Crista Ellis, E-RYT, B.Sc
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga
Senior Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body. These mindfulness techniques can offer moments of respite and clarity that can be useful throughout your week. Find a comfortable seat and join your mindful Parkinson's community for a special session. Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Taylor Rush, Ph.D
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
Emotions can be overwhelming, especially for those of us managing a chronic illness. In this session, we will look at how to use mindfulness to tend our emotions and find the wisdom that lives in every feeling.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Nico Hase, PhD
Author, Meditation Teacher
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
In this special Mindfulness Monday session, we’ll be joined by someone with lived experience supporting a loved one with Parkinson’s. Through gentle reflection and grounding practices, this session invites you to reconnect with the present moment, cultivate inner steadiness, and create space for compassion—both for yourself and others. Open to all, this session offers a calm and supportive pause to begin your week.
Speaker
Barbara Leffler, PhD, RN
Retired Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse
Care Partner to her husband living with Parkinson's
Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Lead Ambassador
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
Get out and move with your community! Every dollar raised supports the Parkinson’s Foundation mission to make life better for people affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). At Moving Day Community Walks across the country, we’re fighting Parkinson’s and celebrating movement — proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms — and we’re doing it together. The Moving Day Community Walk Program is a complement to the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s. These walks are family-friendly and help the Foundation make life better for people with PD.
The Community Walk program offers volunteers an opportunity to organize a walk in their own community that does not have a Moving Day event. The program leverages the personal experiences and community leadership of passionate volunteers to promote Parkinson’s awareness and raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Exploring Next Steps in Care: Financial Impact & Resources That Can Help
As Parkinson’s disease (PD) progresses, you or your loved one may need more day-to-day help. This article will help you plan for what comes next in care, complete with a list of resources.
Planning for Care and Financial Implications
Consider what type of care you might be seeking and what resources are available to you. Medicare and private insurance do not cover many of the costs associated with care. Depending on your situation, Medicaid, veterans benefits or long-term care insurance may be available to help. Planning ahead is key to making sure that when the time comes, there will be an option that works practically and financially for your family.
Watch our Webinar
Exploring Next Steps in Care to help you decide when it's time for outside help.
Whether you are a person with PD or a care partner, it’s important to identify care needs early. Have conversations early and often about care planning throughout the disease journey. Doing so can ease future decision-making and provide peace of mind when immediate care is needed.
Creating a list of your care needs can help ease the transition from independence to receiving support. Discussing preferences with everyone involved ensures clear expectations and establishes boundaries before care begins.
Planning for care can be challenging, but since future needs are unpredictable, try to avoid making promises — such as never considering a nursing home or hospital. Emotions are a natural part of these discussions, so approach them with an open mind and ensure everyone is in the right headspace to make informed decisions together.
It is a common misconception that Medicare and private health insurance may cover long-term in-home care or residential care. Unless a person has long-term care insurance or is eligible for Medicaid or veterans benefits, any care must be paid out of pocket. This can be extremely stressful for families as they navigate financial and care needs at the same time. Setting up a savings plan early on or figuring out how to pay for care that may be needed in the future can help loved ones minimize stress and lead to better care outcomes.
When to Consider Outside Help
As PD progresses differently in each person, everyone’s timeline and care needs vary. Deciding when it’s time for outside help takes consideration. You might need help with smaller things at first, but eventually full-time care might be necessary. It can be hard to accept when you need full-time care. However, as care needs progress, it might be time to consider outside care options.
Questions to ask yourself as a care partner when considering outside help:
Physical Limitations: Am I physically able to handle all the caregiving tasks required? Am I getting enough sleep each night to continue to care for my loved one?
Emotional and Mental Strain: Do I often feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious? Am I able to find time for self-care and activities that recharge me?
Increased Care Needs: Do I feel confident in managing all aspects of care required?
Safety Concerns: Is the quality of care I provide declining due to my limitations? Does our home have safety concerns? Check out the AARP HomeFit Guide.
Personal Well-being: Do I have enough time for my own needs, work or obligations?
Burnout Signs: Am I neglecting my own health needs or experiencing stress-related symptoms?
Lack of Skills or Knowledge: Are there any aspects of caregiving where I could benefit from additional help?
Family Support: Is there tension or strain within the family related to caregiving responsibilities?
6 Types of Assistance
There are many types of assistance when it comes to care, including:
1. In-Home Care
Hiring a home health aide can help a person with Parkinson’s stay at home longer by assisting with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, medication reminders, meal preparation and companionship. However, home health aides are not nurses and have limitations in the care they can provide. If nursing care is needed, a home health aide may not be the best option. When considering this support, consult with the agency to understand the aide’s responsibilities and ensure it is the best fit for your family’s needs.
In 2024, the national median cost of in-home care was $213 per day. Financial assistance for in-home care may be available through a government or community program, long-term care policy, or a veteran's benefit or pension.
Assisted living is a long-term care option that provides personal care support services. Care provides meals, medication management, bathing, dressing and transportation. Some facilities are geared to help people with memory and cognitive concerns.
The national median cost of assisted living in 2024 was $194 per day. Assistance with the cost of care may be available through long-term care insurance, veterans' benefits or Medicaid (in some states), however, private pay is the most common.
Find assisted living communities that are Community Partners of the Parkinson's Foundation. Partners complete a curriculum of PD education through training. See our full list of sites.
3. Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized type of care designed to meet the specific needs of people with memory problems. Some people with PD may benefit from memory care units in an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. They have structured activities and staff trained in caring for those with memory impairment.
Costs for these facilities vary, averaging from around $6,000 to $9,000 a month.
4. Long-term Care or Skilled Nursing Facility
These facilities are for people who require 24-hour monitoring and medical assistance. Services vary by facility. The national median cost of a semi-private room in 2024 was $410 per day, and a private room was $432 per day.
If the person with Parkinson’s needs long-term care in a skilled nursing facility, it is not covered by Medicare but can be covered by Medicaid or veterans assistance programs. For families planning to apply for Medicaid or VA assistance, or those who need to protect resources for a spouse, consulting with an attorney specializing in long-term care may be helpful. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys provides an online directory at www.naela.org/findlawyer.
Find long-term or skilled nursing facilities that are Community Partners of the Parkinson's Foundation. Partners complete a curriculum of PD education through training. See our full list of sites.
5. Adult Day Programs
These local centers provide a variety of services and activities. They include meals, social activities, health monitoring and some offer transportation. The national median cost of these programs in 2024 was $100 per day, and some insurance companies may cover it.
These low-cost options can provide help with care:
Your Local Area Agency on Aging provides information about residential care options in the area. Find your local office here.
The Medicare Nursing Home Compare Tool provides a list of nursing homes by zip code. Use their Compare Tool here.
Resources Designed to Help with Care
Contact the:
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline for local referrals and tailored information on care resources. Contact 1-800-473-4626 or email Helpline@Parkinson.org.
Area Agency on Aging may provide additional home care listings and guidance on eligibility for assistance programs. Call 1-800-677-1116 or find your local here.
The websites below can help you find local private caregivers. When hiring a private individual, it is important to review background checks and references.
If you are struggling to find care, hiring a private care manager can help you navigate local services and programs. This can be especially beneficial for long-distance care partners. The Aging Life Care Association has an Aging Life Care Expert Search feature.
Learn More
Learn more with the following Parkinson’s Foundation resources:
Asking for help is a strength. Emotions can vary during times of seeking care and caretaking. Practice flexibility, patience and self-compassion throughout this process.
We are here to help. Call the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) and explore our Resources and Support page.
