**Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month: Honoring the Heart and Strength of Our Parkinson’s Caregivers**

November marks National Family Caregivers Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the countless caregivers who support loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or illnesses. At the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, we want to take a moment to shine a light on the special caregivers in our community who provide care to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Caregiving for someone with Parkinson’s is both a journey and a commitment, often involving the management of physical symptoms, emotional support, and endless patience. Parkinson’s disease presents unique challenges, including mobility issues, communication difficulties, and cognitive changes, which can require constant vigilance and adaptation from caregivers. For these family members, friends, and partners, caregiving is not just a role; it’s an act of love and resilience. 

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### Why We Celebrate Family Caregivers
Caregivers often serve as the primary support system, offering the essential care that allows their loved ones to live comfortably and with dignity. Despite the invaluable role they play, many caregivers face feelings of isolation, burnout, and the physical and emotional toll of constant caregiving. National Family Caregivers Month provides a platform to raise awareness of these challenges, advocate for better support, and, most importantly, show our gratitude to these selfless individuals.

### Resources and Support for Parkinson’s Caregivers
At the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, we’re committed to providing support to caregivers throughout their journey. We offer resources, support groups, and educational programs tailored specifically for caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s. Our goal is to equip caregivers with the tools, community, and compassion they need to continue doing what they do best: caring.

If you’re a caregiver, remember that self-care is essential too. Taking time for yourself, seeking out support, and connecting with others in similar situations can help sustain your health and well-being. You are not alone—our community is here for you.

### Thank You to Our Everyday Heroes
To every caregiver who supports a loved one with Parkinson’s, we want you to know how deeply appreciated you are. Your compassion, dedication, and resilience do not go unnoticed. This month, we celebrate you and reaffirm our commitment to providing the resources and community support you need.

Thank you, caregivers, for all that you do. You are the heart of our Parkinson’s community.

*For more information about our caregiver programs, and resources, or to find a support group near you, please visit our website or contact us directly.* https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/caregiver-programs.html​

A FABULOUSLY FUN WAY TO SUPPORT THE PASWFL​

NAPLES, FLORIDA – July 31, 2024 – The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) invites you to join them for Bingo for Bags & Baubles on October 17, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the Vineyards Country Club (VCC) at 400 Vineyards Blvd, Naples, FL 34119. This fun evening provides a unique opportunity to mingle, laugh, enjoy a delicious plated sit-down dinner prepared by VCC chefs, have a drink or two, and play friendly bingo games. Come and play for a chance to win designer handbags like Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and many more! Registration is $80 per person before August 29, 2024, and $95 after that date.  Registration includes 10 rounds of bingo with designer bags or jewelry awarded to the winning cardholder, a fabulous three-course dinner, and valet parking. VIP registration is available with additional benefits for $130. This fun evening supports the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL. 

“John Botsko Jr. and Claire Bisignano Chesnoff bring valuable experience and expertise to our board,” said Anthony Maglione, PASWFL Board Chair. “Our dedicated board members provide strategic direction and necessary resources to our organization and guide the association to its vision to create a healthier Parkinson community in Southwest Florida.” Maglione specialized in human resources, focusing on recruiting and employee compensation, spending over 25 years with a regional recruiting firm in Boston before retiring in 2008. Active with Canisius College, he was appointed to the DiGamma Honor Society in 1986, served on the College Board of Regents from 1999 to 2005, and has been involved with the Naples alumni chapter and several homeowner and condominium association boards.

John Botsko Jr, FACHE, is the president and owner of BrightStar Care in Naples, FL, a home health agency serving Naples and Ft. Myers. Board-certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, he has served on various boards and committees, including the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL). Under his leadership, BrightStar Care has earned multiple awards, including the Home Care Pulse Awards and the Enterprise Champion for Quality Award from the Joint Commission. Botsko’s experience with PASWFL began in 2011 on the Education Committee which he later chaired. He previously served two full terms on the board of directors, including as Chair from 2019-2020. He returns to the board following a hiatus.
​Claire Bisignano Chesnoff’s involvement with the PASWFL began with joining the Development Committee in 2023 and was influenced by her role as caretaker for her father. She brings extensive experience in development, marketing, and philanthropy, actively serving on various boards in New York City and locally with organizations like the Naples Board of Realtors, St. Williams Church, and Coldwell Banker Cares. Claire is a seasoned real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty in Naples and has earned the accreditations of ABR, ASP, AHWD, CLHMS, GRI, IAHSP, and SRES. Her distinguished career spans from New York and Florida.
About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
The PASWFL helps people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners have the best quality of life.  We foster a supportive community for those touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.  Our efforts encompass dedicated, free support programs, advocation, raising awareness, and educating both healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson’s disease.

No fees are associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or by calling 239-417-3465.  PASWFL is located at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.
 About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that the CDC ranks as the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for this disease. 
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In March 2020, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine convened thought leaders in exercise, physical therapy, exercise research, medicine, and PD community-based exercise programs. The outcome of the meeting included new exercise recommendations to provide safe and effective guidance on physical activity to people with PD and to certified exercise professionals working with them. 
 
The new exercise guidelines include recommended frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercises that are safe and effective for people with Parkinson’s across four domains: aerobic activity, strength training, balance/agility/multitasking, and stretching. For more information on the new exercise, guidelines CLICK HER

FACE FORWARD FUNDRAISER - SAVE ON MASKS AND SUPPORT US

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida is participating with Face Forward to raise money by offering high Performance Face masks to our community.

This high- tech Face mask has a three layer construction that repels liquids, has an activated carbon filter to capture particulate, and a breathable liner to increase comfort.

Go to WWW.FACEFORWARD.SHOP and use discount code Parkinson for $2 or more off per mask and a contribution of $5 to Parkinson’s Society of SWFL

Upgrade the Performance of your mask Click for more

​Jack: Soon after my first visit, I started going to the exercise classes where I met many other people with PD. I also started going to speech classes and support group meetings. To this day I attend all three of these meetings as often as possible, all of which have impacted my life very favorably, both physically and mentally. I believe this has slowed the PD progression.

Q: Do you have any advice to offer someone with PD who is not involved?
Jack: Become involved. This organization offers a large variety of activities and seminars which help the social and daily lives of those with PD and their care partners The leadership and membership are an extremely helpful and congenial group. 
 
They have made a huge difference in my life.

Would you like to learn about becoming a member?  Click here to learn more

Recently a packet of information has been randomly mailed out to persons covered by Medicare.  The cover letter states that your Doctor (it does offer a suggested name - that one might think is in your physician group) has ordered a connection for "telemedicine " visits and includes a box making a decision on your behalf that you understand you are liable for charges in case of Medicare or your insurance does not cover.

It highlights where you are to sign, includes an additional page for HIPAA privacy notice and a prepaid addressed envelope. The letterhead says it comes from Henderson, NV and the envelope gets returned to a Boca Raton, FL address.
 
This form is fraudulent and would make you responsible for the invalid charges if you complete the form. 
 
Please question any papers you are asked to sign regarding insurance, and verify any forms sent to you with your physician or call your local Social Security or SHINE OR SHIP office.  There is a federal SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) who investigates such problems.

The Parkinson Association of SWFL is still here for you. While these times may feel unpredictable, our commitment to helping our community live well with Parkinson Disease remains certain. Although staying safe and healthy at home can feel isolating and challenging, please know that our staff and volunteers are here for you. Our office remains open for information, crisis counseling and personal connections via phone. We've added even more opportunities for you to live well with PD through our new virtual classes.