Support Groups
Our free support groups for life after a stroke or living with Parkinson's disease provide a place to connect with others who share similar experiences during or after a diagnosis. As an attendee, you will find an opportunity to listen to others share personal successes and challenges, as well as receive and offer emotional comfort and moral support.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group, "Chat and Snack"
Our Parkinson’s disease group has a new friendly environment for patients, family members and caregivers. The group provides the opportunity to chat and snack. Group sessions offer frequent guest speakers and discussions on key topics from the group, as well as occasional visits from certified counselors, trainers, one-on-one sessions with medical professionals. You'll discuss and learn strategies from counselors and attendees, including managing depression, how to continue participating in your community and coping mechanisms to relieve stress on the caregiver.
Meetings are open to both existing patients, former patients and non-patients of Genesis dealing with Parkinson’s disease.
Attendance is not required, however, regular attendance is encouraged in order for attendees to obtain all of the education and resources needed to better cope with his, her or their loved one's diagnosis. Group size varies, with usually five to 10 in attendance.
Disclosure of personal information is at the discretion of each attendee. Only the facilitators and administrative assistants have access to attendee contact information. It is solely the participant’s decision if they want to share personal information with other attendees.
Meeting times and location
Group meetings are held quarterly on March 4, June 17, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Genesis HealthPlex. The program is free, and reservations are not required. For more information, call Rhonda Forrestal at 740-455-5151.
Topics discussed at the Parkinson's disease support group
Some of the topics shared and discussed among counselors and attendees include:
- Anxiety
- Companionship
- Constipation
- Depression
- Drooling, impaired swallowing
- End of life care, hospice
- Generalized discomfort, pain
- Legal decisions
- Limb stiffness
- Loss of mental sharpness
- Managing resting tremors
- Muscle fatigue
- Sex drive, relationships
- Slowness of movements
- Social acceptance, anxiety, stigmas
- Stress management
- Vision problems
- Wheelchairs / accessibility
Stroke Support Group
Life after a stroke can cause severe and lasting disabilities for both the patient and family members. Our stroke support group is a service offering educational, social and rehabilitation support by trained education professionals at Genesis. This long-standing group provides the opportunity to discuss everyday concerns, develop friendships and share in the recovery process with other survivors and caregivers.
If you have survived a stroke or are a loved one caring for a stroke survivor, consider attending our support group to learn coping strategies after a stroke, lifestyle changes at home and in public and coping mechanisms to relieve stress on the caregiver. It is open to both existing patients, former patients and non-patients of Genesis, as well as family members and caregivers of stroke survivors.
Comfortable setting and confidentiality of personal information
Staff and attendees are an open and friendly group who provide consistent support and understanding to stroke survivors, caregivers and family members. While consistent attendance is not required, it is recommended to gain the most benefit from support, information provided and potential guest speakers.
Disclosure of personal information is at the discretion of each attendee. Only the facilitators and administrative assistants have access to attendee contact information. It is solely the participant’s decision if they want to share personal information with other attendees.
Meeting times and location
Quarterly group meetings at Genesis Outpatient Rehab, 3297 Maple Ave., Zanesville. Light refreshments are provided.
Upcoming meetings, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
Monday, March 3, 2025
Monday, June 9, 2025
Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
For more information, call Sally Ogg at 740-454-4538.
Topics discussed at the stroke support group
Some of the topics shared and discussed among counselors and attendees include:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Chronic pain
- Companionship
- Constipation
- Depression
- End of life care, hospice
- Legal decisions
- Living alone
- Muscle fatigue
- Orthopedic disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Physical therapy
- Sex Drive, relationships
- Social acceptance, anxiety, stigmas
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports rehabilitation
- Weight gain
- Wheelchairs / accessibility
