**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. 

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. 

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

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.