Support Groups

Our free support groups for life after a stroke, brain injury 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.

Brain Injury Support Group

Led by mental health professionals and therapists, our brain injury support group offers an inviting environment for patients, family members and caregivers. We'll discuss a variety of topics on mental health and wellness. You'll learn strategies to cope with depression after a brain injury, social anxieties among friends and relatives, and coping coping mechanisms to relieve stress on the caregiver. You'll also find educational, recreational and social opportunities for survivors of brain injuries and their families.

Meetings are open to existing patients, former patients and non-patients of Genesis. If you or a loved one have survived a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or brain injury, or you are a loved one caring for a survivor, consider attending our support group to benefit from our free, professional resources.

Long-standing group offers support and confidentiality

Developed over 20 years ago, this support group provides consistent support and understanding to survivors, caregivers and family members. 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 loved one's brain injury and diagnosis.

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 s/he wants to share personal information with other attendees.

Meeting times and location

Group meetings are held on the third Monday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Genesis Hospital Conference Center. For more information, call Katie Garrett at (740) 454-4339.

Topics discussed at the brain injury support group

Some of the topics shared and discussed among counselors and attendees include:

  • Anxiety
  • Music therapy
  • Depression
  • Pet therapy
  • Diet and exercise
  • Thinking, Cognitive concerns
  • Family relationships, concerns
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Intimate relationships
  • Treatments and research
  • Mindfulness
  • Memory loss

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 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 s/he wants 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
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Companionship
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Constipation
  • Sex Drive, Relationships
  • Depression
  • Slowness of movements
  • Drooling, Impaired swallowing
  • Social Acceptance, Anxiety | Stigmas
  • End of life care, hospice
  • Stress management
  • Generalized discomfort, pain
  • Vision problems
  • Legal decisions
  • Wheelchairs / Accessibility
  • Limb stiffness
  • Loss of mental sharpness
  • Managing resting tremors

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. Additionally, 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 a very open and friendly group who provides 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 s/he wants to share personal information with other attendees.

Meeting times and location

Quarterly group meetings are on the first Monday of January, April, July and October from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Genesis HealthPlex. For more information, call (740) 455-5151. The meeting location is private with close proximity to the building entrance and restrooms. Light refreshments are provided.

Topics discussed at the stroke support group

Some of the topics shared and discussed among counselors and attendees include:

  • Anxiety
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Arthritis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Back pain
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Chronic pain
  • Physical therapy
  • Constipation
  • Social Acceptance, Anxiety | Stigmas
  • End of life care | Hospice
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Depression
  • Sports rehabilitation
  • Legal decisions
  • Living Alone
  • Companionship
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Wheelchairs / Accesibility
  • Orthopedic disorders
  • Sex Drive, Relationships
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