SongShine with Joani

This program harnesses the power of the brain, breath, and emotion to reclaim voices. Joani Bye will engage participants in six uplifting sessions of SongShine, a program using singing, breath work, diction, articulation, and creative imagination exercises to strengthen voices affected by Parkinson's or other neurological challenges. SongShine's goal is to help you communicate more easily and clearly, while facilitating a sense of community, camaraderie, and confidence in the process!

Join Joani and Mary for immersive, holistic, and fun sessions that will include the following:

• Singing favorite songs
• Relaxation
• Breathing exercises
• Tongue exercises (for articulation and swallowing)
• Linguistic and vocal instruction
• Imagination exercises

We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar series, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.

Waitlisted Events

The program listed below is currently ongoing and accepting registrants via waitlist. If you are interested in attending this event, please add your name to the waitlist. If space is available, you will be registered for the next session automatically, and will receive appropriate login instructions.

The events listed below are closed for registration. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to the waitlists linked beside the event of your choice. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.

Beginner Bollywood Dance Series

Bollywood dance is a newly popular, fun, and interactive form of exercise! In this beginner’s dance class tailored to people with Parkinson's, participants will learn basic moves set to Bollywood and Bhangra music. This class will be taught by Registered Occupational Therapist and certified PWR! Moves Therapist, Gina Fernandez.

This moderate to high intensity class is suitable for individuals at any mobility level, and can be done seated or standing. This class will:

• utilize both sides of the body by incorporating big movements
• improve balance and strengthen muscles
• improve attention, memory, and executive functioning through the memorization and planning of dance moves
• decrease anxiety and freezing of gait while moving around in space, due to the relaxation that dance can provide

Chair Yoga

Join Sheron Jutila as she brings a 4-week series of Hatha Yoga and Joint Freeing practices in a gentle seated class. The classes begin with breathing practices and body scans, followed by guided relaxation and calming practices, with stretching and strengthening poses. The class can be experienced sitting or standing using a chair as support. Options and variations will be offered so you can explore poses within your current range of motion and level of energy.

Equipment needed for these classes includes:

• a chair, preferably without armrests, and with no wheels (including locking wheels)
• other props, for stability or comfort, will be discussed as needed

We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.

Dancing with Latin Rhythms

Come explore Latin rhythm and movement in a fun and creative dance series led by Dance for PD certified choreographer, Trina Frometa. Through a joyful and non-judgemental process, dancers learn to enhance awareness of grace while focusing on Parkinson's-specific concerns such as balance, flexibility, coordination, gait, and posture. All you need is yourself and some space to move around. No previous dance experience is required.

Balance & Falls Prevention Exercise Class

Join PSBC’s Shelly Yu, neuro physiotherapist, for this 8-week balance and falls prevention exercise class. Exercises in this series will focus on lower extremity strength, and agility-type activities required for falls prevention, like multidirectional stepping and weight shifting.

All exercises will be done in a standing position in order to simulate real-life scenarios. However, participants are welcome to hold on to a chair or table for support as needed. No equipment is needed for the class.

Waitlisted Events

The exercise programs listed below are currently ongoing and accepting registrants via waitlist. If you are interested in attending these events, please add your name to the waitlist. If space is available, you will be registered for the next session automatically, and will receive appropriate login instructions.

Our Journey: Living with Parkinson's

Every year, Parkinson Society BC dedicates the month of April to raising awareness of the unique experiences of people with Parkinson's disease (PD), and the needs of our community. Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage the public in expanding their understanding of Parkinson's, and its profound effects on the lives of over 13,000 British Columbians living with the disease.

As part of Parkinson's Awareness Month, join this special online panel event as four presenters who have lived with PD share their stories of hardship and triumph. Our panel speakers are:

• Mike Scales, newly diagnosed
• Gina Lupino, living with Young Onset Parkinson's disease
• Debbie Hartley, living well with Parkinson's for 8 years
• Mark Hutchinson, speaking from a carepartner perspective

Every journey with Parkinson's is unique, but many will relate to the emotions that come with navigating its ups and downs. Hearing stories from those who have endured similar challenges may help empower you to overcome your own. This webinar will also feature a question and answer period. People with Parkinson's, carepartners, and families are all welcome to attend.

Caregiving Series

Parkinson Society British Columbia recognizes the efforts made by carepartners and caregivers every day. We invite you to join our interactive two-part caregiving series with speakers, Dr. Kaitlyn P. Roland and Jolyon Hallows.

Dr. Roland is a research scientist at the Office of the Seniors Advocate and the Insitute on Aging and Lifelong Health. In this series, she will offer her expertise on effective caregiving, and discuss strategies for carepartner self-care and wellness.

Jolyon is a caregiver advocate and author. He will share his experiences as a caregiver, and offer practical advice, tools, and techniques to help you adapt to, and succeed in, your caregiving role.

Please note, separate registration is required for each session.

June Symposium Series

Parkinson's disease is a unique and complex condition. Common areas of interest in managing Parkinson's include treatment options such as medications, surgical procedures, and non-pharmacological treatments such as exercise.

To assist in expanding your knowledge in these areas, Parkinson Society British Columbia will host three webinars in this symposium series to provide the Parkinson's community the opportunity to learn from leading experts.

Please note, separate registration will be required for each session.

Parkinson's Medication Q&A

Medication management plays an important role for many people with Parkinson's disease (PD). It can be overwhelming and confusing as medication regimens are adjusted, new medications are introduced, and side effects arise.

Bring your questions about medications as pharmacist, Amy Tran, joins Parkinson Society BC for this question and answer session. Whether you have questions about the side effects of medications, the types of medications available for people with PD, or about medication management, Amy will be available to answer your questions and to provide resources to empower you to get the most out of your treatment.

We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.

Debriefing the Caregiver Role

When a loved one is lost, it is one of life's most difficult experiences. You may find yourself struggling with many intense and frightening emotions leaving you feeling isolated or alone. Having someone to lean on in this time is important in helping you through the grieving process.

In collaboration with the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, PSBC offers this workshop to those who have recently lost a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. Grief, coping, and healing will be discussed. Elaine Book, Social Worker at the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, and Tricia Wallace, Clinical Counsellor at PSBC will facilitate.

Parkinson's Support Groups

Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) Support Group

Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online YOPD support group. This group is meant for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's under the age of 60. 

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom. 

2^nd Tuesday of each month
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PT

Register

New Diagnosis Support Group

Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online support group for those newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who wish to get connected with the Parkinson's community and find community while adjusting to their diagnosis.

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.

1^st Tuesday of each month
1:30 pm –3:00 pm PT

Register Now

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

In an effort to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak, many support groups have cancelled meetings until further notice. As a substitute, we have started a new weekly online support group for the Parkinson’s community to help stay connected and support each other during this time.

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.

1^st Friday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am PT

Register Now

Bereavement Support Group for People with Parkinson's

Rebuilding your life after the loss of a loved one is a journey of healing that requires the combination of love, support and time. Dealing with the challenges of Parkinson's disease as well as your grief, can contribute to feeling even more alone and alienated. It can be very comforting in those darker times to be with others who are experiencing some of the same challenges and who understand your confusion and pain. Meeting others who are beginning to experience some of the joy of life again can be can bring hope, if you have yet to experience it.

The professionally facilitated Bereavement Support Group for PwP, is offered by Parkinson Society BC by Zoom, and is open to anyone who has Parkinson's and is dealing with the challenges of grief and loss. The group will meet the third Wednesday of each month at 11:00am.

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom. 

3^rd Wednesday of each month
11:00 am – 12:30 pm PT

Register Now

Caregiving & Bereavement Support Groups

Early to Mid-Stage Parkinson's Carepartner Support Group

This monthly online support group is geared for individuals caring for someone with early to mid-stage Parkinson's disease. Whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, Parkinson Society British Columbia invites you to join our growing online community of support.

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.

3rd Wednesday of each month 
9:00 am – 10:30 am PT

Register Now

Advanced Parkinson's Carepartner Support Group

This new monthly online support group is designed for individuals caring for someone with advanced Parkinson's disease, which can be characterized by complex medical needs and/or changes in cognition that require help in almost all areas of daily life.

Whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, Parkinson Society British Columbia invites you to join our growing online community fostering connection with others who share similar experiences.

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.

4^th Thursday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am PT

Register Now

Bereavement Support Group

When a loved one passes away, it is one of life's most difficult experiences. Rebuilding your life after the loss of a loved one is a journey of healing that requires a combination of love, support, and time. It may bring hope and comfort to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, and who can relate to your confusion and pain.

The professionally facilitated Bereavement Support Group, is offered by Parkinson Society BC by Zoom, and is open to anyone who is dealing with the challenges of loss and grief. The group will meet every second week on Tuesdays at 1:00pm.

A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom. 

Every second Tuesday, starting February 23
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm PT

Register Now