Hands in the air at PECS Parkinson’s Support Group

Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services (PECS) client Mr Kerry Corrigan is living proof of the benefits that exercise can bring. A member of the PECS Parkinson’s Support Group, Kerry says that before he joined the group, he couldn’t raise his arms higher than his shoulders. ‘But look at me now,’ he smiles, raising both hands high up above his head.

The PECS Parkinson’s Support Group has been running, in one form or another, for around 25 years. With the aim of providing education and support to clients living with Parkinson’s Disease, the group meets weekly to perform physical, cognitive and social activities.

‘Balance, muscle development and flexibility are all important areas to maintain when living with Parkinson’s,’ Marta Krzystoszek, Resthaven’s Occupational Therapist who runs the group, says.

‘So, we offer around 30-45 minutes of exercises aimed at these physical functions, then move into activities to improve the cognitive symptoms that can be a part of the disease.’

Kerry has been a part of the group for more than a decade, and another member, Mr Tony Spagnoletti, has been a member on and off for around 18 years. Two newer members of the group are Mr Silvano Baldin and Mrs Maureen Lockley.

‘On the social side of things, the group shares experiences and systems that have helped them in relation to the disease, and we always bring along any news or information relating to medical breakthroughs or innovations that might be helpful,’ Marta says.

‘The thing that keeps me coming back is the staff,’ Kerry says. ‘They always make it fun, and make you feel at home. They motivate me to do the exercises.’

Marta says that Resthaven PECS has been able to assist the individuals in other ways as well, such as finding suitable gym programs for Kerry and Tony to attend, swimming classes for Silvano and additional physiotherapy for Maureen. They can also help with the selection and purchase of equipment to assist in making things easier at home.

‘Part of the cognitive work that we do includes helping those living with Parkinson’s to work through everyday activities,’ Marta says. ‘One of the symptoms of the disease is that individuals may find it difficult to multitask, or they may develop a slowness in thinking and information processing. If someone comes to the group and talks about their frustrations in not being able to complete an activity as they once could, then we work through that with them and develop steps to help them achieve their goals.’

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, with World Parkinson's Day on 11 April. The disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and there are over 150,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Australia^[1]. Most people with Parkinson's disease are diagnosed around the age of 65 years, but one in ten people diagnosed are younger than 45 years. Typical symptoms include tremor or shaking at rest, muscle stiffness, slowing of movement and speech, and balance problems.

Parkinson’s Support Groups are held at many Resthaven Community Service locations. My Aged Care provides information and access to these groups. 

^[1] Statistics - Parkinson's Australia

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