Support Services
Parkinson’s disease does not stay in the doctor’s office. It can show up when you are getting dressed, making dinner, getting across town, or trying to keep up with the routines that make a day feel like yours. When everyday tasks start taking more effort, it can help to know where to look for support.
At Parkinson’s Orange County, we’ve gathered local resources for the everyday parts of living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, from therapy and transportation to equipment, care partner support, and help at home.
Start with what would make life a little easier right now.
Care partners are often the ones who track medications, appointments, meals, paperwork, and a hundred small changes along the way. That’s a lot to carry. You deserve a place to ask questions, compare notes, and take care of yourself too.
We can point you toward care partner support from organizations including the Caregiver Resource Center, Council on Aging Orange County, PMD Alliance, and the Well Spouse Association, along with care partner-only support groups in Orange County.
The right kind of help can make home feel safer, make getting around easier, and keep more of your day in your hands.
Explore local resources for
You do not need to solve everything at once.
Maybe getting in and out of the shower has become harder. Maybe driving no longer feels comfortable. Maybe a care partner needs a break, or you’re looking for someone who can help with balance, speech, or daily routines.
Start there. These resources are organized to help you find the kind of support that fits the situation in front of you.
Sometimes it helps to talk with people who have already faced a similar decision.
Parkinson’s support groups across Orange County welcome people living with Parkinson’s and care partners. They can be a good place to hear what has helped other local families, learn about services, and make connections in your community. In-person and online options are available.
Local resources can help with physical and occupational therapy, speech and swallowing therapy, mental health and cognitive support, medical equipment, transportation, driving assessments, and care team support.
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. If balance, walking, getting dressed, bathing, cooking, or other daily tasks are becoming harder, it may be time to ask your neurologist or primary-care provider about therapy. Physical and occupational therapists can help with mobility, balance, safety, and activities of daily living.
Some physical and occupational therapy providers in the Orange County resource guide offer mobile or in-home services. Contact the provider directly to ask about service areas, availability, and insurance coverage.
Local speech therapy programs, including LSVT BIG and LOUD and SPEAK OUT! are designed specifically for the needs of the Parkinson’s patient. Speak to your doctor about a referral.
There are transportation resources available as well as driving-assessment programs. Start with the option that fits your situation, whether that means exploring transportation for appointments or asking for a professional driving assessment.
Coverage varies by provider, service, and insurance plan. Before you begin, contact the provider and your insurance company to ask what is covered, whether you need a referral, and what your out-of-pocket cost may be.