Parkinson's Family Support

The Tremble Clefs choral group is designed to strengthen the voices of people with PD.

• Engaging choral singing program helps with PD-related voice and communication challenges.
• Offered in partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital speech therapists
• Chorus incorporates LSVT® inspired vocal exercise and attention to posture and breathing
• Dynamic conducting and live accompaniment enrich the choral experience.
• New and experienced singers welcome. No auditions.
• Meetings include a break for refreshments and socializing.
• Meets weekly – autumn, winter, and spring – Monday mornings in Newton from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Chair Yoga for PD helps with balance, flexibility, and mood.

• Yoga is good for both the body and the spirit.
• Yoga helps with focus on the present moment and peacefulness.
• Instructor has specialized yoga for PD training.
• Participants sit in chairs for this class.
• Meets weekly on Tuesday mornings at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Therapeutic Movement and Dance targets the movement challenges of PD.

• Class focuses on flexibility and mobility
• Stimulating activity connects mind and body
• People may participate sitting or standing.
• No difficult sequences to learn. Dance experience is not necessary.
• Therapeutic movement session is followed by a break for refreshments, socializing, and supportive group conversation.
• Meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Monthly Education, Networking, and Support Group offers expert speakers on the medical science of PD and resources for improving quality of life with PD.

• Timely topics and lively community discussion
• Following the group presentation, separate, professionally facilitated meetings are held for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
• Meets the first Thursday morning of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon at JF&CS Headquarters, Waltham.
• This group does not require registration. There is no cost to attend.

Caregiver Support Groups help reduce stress for family members as they share strategies.

• Groups are professionally facilitated.
• Groups focus on understanding the effects of PD as well as sharing concerns, strategies, and ways to cope.
• Meets twice a month in two Greater Boston locations.
• Preregistration is required, and there is a fee to participate. Financial aid is available. To register, call 781-647-JFCS (5327) or contact us.

Adult Child Groups consist of three evening meetings to focus on PD education and strategies for supporting a parent or parents.

• Group’s facilitator gives information on the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of PD and the impact on families.
• Participants learn strategies for offering help to parents and for planning for the future as the disease progresses.
• Meets one evening per week for three weeks at JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham.
• Preregistration is required, and there is a fee to participate. Financial aid is available. To register, call 781-647-JFCS (5327) or contact us.